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
Multifamily Housing | May 14, 2018
Yardi Matrix report shows U.S. rent surge in April
Year-over-year rent growth leaders in April were Orlando, Fla., Sacramento, Calif., Las Vegas, Tampa, Fla., and Phoenix.
Multifamily Housing | May 9, 2018
6 noteworthy projects: Transit-oriented rental community, micro-unit residences, and an office tower becomes a mixed-use community
These six recently completed projects represent some of the newest trends in multifamily housing.
Multifamily Housing | May 1, 2018
Boutique condo provides 41 exclusive residences in Miami’s Bay Harbor Islands
Revuelta Architecture International designed the building.
Multifamily Housing | May 1, 2018
Call for experts: We’re looking for designers and builders of bicycle storage facilities for multifamily
The editors of Multifamily Design+Construction magazine seek experts for a "how-to" article in the next issue.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 30, 2018
For housing costs, consider all occupancy costs - not just property taxes
It's inaccurate to focus on property taxes as a percentage of home value without acknowledging the actual cost of housing to which this percentage is applied.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 27, 2018
1912 publishing house becomes luxury residential condominiums
Gottesman Architecture and GSArch designed the renovated building.
Adaptive Reuse | Apr 26, 2018
Edison Lofts building is New Jersey’s largest non-waterfront adaptive reuse project
Minno & Wasko Architects & Planners designed the building.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 24, 2018
Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture designs 47-story condo tower in Miami
The tower will be located in Miami’s South Brickell neighborhood.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 23, 2018
Mass timber design for multifamily housing
The adaptability of urban development could be revolutionized through the inherent strength of mass timber construction.
Multifamily Housing | Apr 18, 2018
MAA, Greystar nation’s largest apartment owner, developer
With 5,651 apartment units started in 2017, Charleston, S.C.-based Greystar Real Estate Partners was the most active multifamily rental developer last year, according to the 2018 NMHC 50 report.
