‘Missing Middle Housing’ Bill Passes in Washington Senate

The legislation would permit duplexes and, in some cases, fourplexes in residential areas in most Washington towns.

1 minute read

April 12, 2023, 12:00 PM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


The Washington State Senate passed a bill permitting duplexes to be built in most Washington cities as part of the legislature’s effort to increase the housing supply and slow the rise of housing costs, reports Joseph O’Sullivan in Crosscut. According to O’Sullivan, “State officials estimate another 1 million housing units will be required in the next two decades to keep up with growth.” 

The bill requires localities with populations between 25,000 and 75,000 to allow duplexes in residential neighborhoods. The bill also permits fourplex construction in cities with over 75,000 people.

House Bill 1110, which was amended before the Senate vote, will go back to the House for a final vote. The bill is one of many pieces of zoning reform legislation proposed in Washington and other states that aim to boost housing production and remove barriers created by restrictive local zoning codes.

Tuesday, April 11, 2023 in Crosscut

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