Several proposed laws could make way for more housing development outside the state’s major city centers.
Washington state lawmakers are considering several laws that could unlock more housing development in rural areas, reports Laurel Demkovich in Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business.
One bill would allow all counties to approve accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in areas outside of cities, limiting owners to one ADU per property. “It must use the same driveway and sewage system as the primary home. Water usage must be metered and cannot exceed the limits under current law when combined with the usage of the main property.”
Another proposed law would allow lot splitting. Owners could split lots into two if each are larger than 1,000 square feet. A third bill would expand the state Multi-Family Housing Property Tax Exemption to all counties with valid comprehensive plans. “Currently, only five of the state’s more heavily populated counties are allowed to offer the exemption.”
FULL STORY: Washington lawmakers look for ways to build more housing in rural areas
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