The Washington state House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would legalize duplexes or fourplexes in almost every neighborhood of every city in the state.
If it becomes law, it would essentially end local zoning rules that limit large areas of cities to single-family homes. The bill passed on a bipartisan 75-21 vote. It would require cities with populations between 25,000 and 75,000 to allow duplexes in all residential areas. Cities with more than 75,000 people and smaller suburbs of Seattle would be required to allow fourplexes.
The intent is to increase housing supply and density in cities across the state without increasing sprawl. The bill still must pass the state Senate. Its impact over many years could lead to the end of many neighborhoods made up exclusively of single-family homes.
Supporters argued that the measure would alleviate a severe housing shortage that is depriving young people of a chance to own a home. Opponents say that zoning and planning decisions are best handled locally, and that the bill would not do much to increase the supply of affordable housing.
Related Stories
Reconstruction Awards | Nov 26, 2018
Yarn works: Neverending yarn
111-year-old mill becomes a mixed-income multifamily community.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 20, 2018
Designs unveiled for new residential tower in Honolulu
Studio Gang pays homage to sugarcane plants that were once prevalent in this area.
Multifamily Housing | Nov 14, 2018
BIG’s ‘wooden hillside’ residential building in Stockholm officially opens
The building spans 270,000 sf.
Market Data | Nov 14, 2018
A new Joint Center report finds aging Americans less prepared to afford housing
The study foresees a significant segment of seniors struggling to buy or rent on their own or with other people.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 26, 2018
Future proofing multifamily housing amenities for Generation Z
How does a multifamily property developer or operator make a smart investment in amenities that will give the project long-term value?
Multifamily Housing | Oct 23, 2018
A threesome of transit-oriented projects
Developers and their project teams are recognizing the value of walkability, convenient neighborhood services, and transit access, as these three TODs demonstrate.
Wood | Oct 19, 2018
Design revealed for mass-timber residential tower in Milwaukee
The developer is confident that the city will approve construction, which is scheduled to start next year.
Mixed-Use | Oct 15, 2018
35-story mixed-use tower will be tallest residential building in Long Beach
Studio One Eleven designed the tower.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 10, 2018
Affordable treasures
This year’s prestigious Gold Nugget Awards honor four projects that provide affordably priced housing for homeless families, seniors, and veterans.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 9, 2018
Breaking new ground: The New Home Company
The company, which is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, Calif. relies heavily on focus groups and market research to understand buyer preferences specific to each new community.
