A bill legalizing duplexes and fourplexes in most of the state’s residential neighborhoods passed the state House on Monday.
Multi-family housing units such as duplexes and fourplexes could be permitted in most neighborhoods in Washington state, reports David Gutman in The Settle Times. The state legislature overwhelmingly passed HB 1110 as part of an effort to increase the housing supply and ease the affordability crisis.
As Gutman points out, “The bill, which still must pass the state Senate, would not mean the end of single-family home construction in Washington, but it could, eventually, mean the end of many neighborhoods made up exclusively of single-family homes.”
Under the legislation, cities with populations between 25,000 and 75,000 would be required to permit duplexes in residential areas, while cities larger than 75,000 would have to permit fourplexes.
The Washington bill joins other efforts to shift control of zoning to the state level as the housing crisis deepens around the country. While supporters of local zoning say state laws are too broad to effectively regulate development, housing advocates say too many local zoning codes hinder the construction of new housing by maintaining single-family zoning requirements, driving up housing costs and contributing to a growing affordability and homelessness crisis.
More coverage of state zoning reform:
FULL STORY: WA House passes bill banning single-family zoning
‘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.
Zoning Reform Proposed in Austin
Proposed changes would create more room for mid-density housing and shift away from single-family homes on large lots.
Toronto Approves Multiplex Housing Citywide
The city hopes streamlining the construction of multifamily housing will slow the growth of housing costs and prevent the displacement of residents as the city grows.
‘Forward Together’ Bus System Redesign Rolling Out in Portland
Portland is redesigning its bus system to respond to the changing patterns of the post-pandemic world—with twin goals of increasing ridership and improving equity.
Plan to Potentially Remove Downtown Milwaukee’s Interstate Faces Public Scrutiny
The public is weighing in on a suite of options for repairing, replacing, or removing Interstate 794 in downtown Milwaukee.
Can New York City Go Green Without Renewable Rikers?
New York City’s bold proposal to close the jail on Rikers Island and replace it with green infrastructure is in jeopardy. Will this compromise the city’s ambitious climate goals?
700-Acre Master-Planned Community Planned in Utah
A massive development plan is taking shape for lakefront property in Vineyard, Utah—on the site of a former U.S. Steel Geneva Works facility.
More Cities Ponder the End of Drive-Thrus
Drive-thru fast food restaurants might be a staple of American life, but several U.S. cities are actively considering prohibiting the development of new drive-thrus for the benefit of traffic safety, air quality, and congestion.
Air Pollution World’s Worst Public Health Threat, Report Says
Air pollution is more likely to take years life off the lifespan of the average human than any other external factor, according to a recent report out of the University of Chicago.
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