Missing Middle Housing Signed Into Law

One of the most talked about bills in Olympia this session, House Bill 1110, was signed into law on May 9, 2023. The law takes effect on July 23, 2023, and will expand the construction of Middle Housing—accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, triplexes, and more low-density, multi-family development—in cities across the state.

Allowing more housing options in existing neighborhoods is great news for Washington, which ranks last in the nation for units per family. Many cities have zoning restrictions that limit housing choice. HB 1110 allows for at least two units per residential lot in many cities across the Central Puget Sound based on population, increasing housing supply and affordable homeownership.

REALTOR^® Brenda Nunes was featured on Kiro 7 earlier this week, where she stated “smaller houses that fit into neighborhoods that have typically been single-family” would help the housing inventory and affordability crisis. The village of cottages and “ADU Alley” featured in the video were stops on the recent Missing Middle Housing Tour, led by Seattle King County REALTORS^® on March 30. The Tour demonstrated to local officials and planners how these housing types can comfortably fit in our communities.