Missing Middle Housing Bill Nears Passage in Olympia

One of the most talked about bills in Olympia this session, House Bill 1110, has now passed in the legislature and will head to Governor Inslee’s desk for his signature. The bill 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 will allow 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.

Cottages like this one are great options for smaller, more affordable living. The Missing Middle Housing Tour took place on March 30, 2023.

ADU Alley in Kirkland is famous for its laneway housing. The Missing Middle Housing Tour took place on March 30, 2023.

Mitali Ganguly of Opticos Design shared her insights into what makes middle housing options work in various communities. The Missing Middle Housing Tour took place on March 30, 2023.