Seattle and North King County: More Housing in More Places

Seattle King County REALTORS® (SKCR) has played a vital role throughout the region in encouraging policymakers to prioritize housing supply, transit‑oriented growth, and permitting reform. We are eager to see the fruits of our labor in the form of:

• More listings with redevelopment potential
• Increased activity from small builders and infill developers
• Shifting buyer expectations as new housing types enter the market
• Greater focus on permitting timelines, design standards, and neighborhood engagement

The regional direction is clear: more housing in more places.

City of Seattle

Centers & Corridors Legislation Heads to Council

Mayor Wilson has transmitted the Centers & Corridors zoning package to the City Council, marking the next major step in Seattle’s multi‑phase land‑use overhaul. The proposal would create 30 new Neighborhood Centers and expand density along key transit corridors—opening more areas for apartments, mixed‑use buildings, townhomes, and small‑scale infill.

SKCR supports this effort to unlock redevelopment potential in areas previously limited to single‑family or low‑intensity uses and attract more interest from small builders and infill developers.

King County

Countywide Permitting Modernization

The Department of Local Services is advancing a multi‑year permitting modernization effort for unincorporated King County. Key components include digitizing legacy records, streamlining ADU approvals, and reducing review timelines for subdivisions. A draft plan is expected in late spring, with Council action likely in Q3.

Transit‑Oriented Development at County Facilities

King County is evaluating TOD opportunities at several Metro‑owned sites, particularly in South King County. RFPs are expected for mixed‑income housing and commercial partnerships later this year.

Bellevue

Housing Opportunities in Mixed-Use Areas (HOMA) Code Amendment

The City Council has passed the Housing Opportunities in Mixed-Use Areas (HOMA) land use code amendment, designed to encourage housing development by allowing higher density, taller buildings, and by removing obstacles to building more homes.

Building on the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan, the HOMA amendment changes the Land Use Code to:

• Remove barriers to housing development
• Encourage housing in mixed-use areas where residential and commercial uses coexist
• Increase affordable housing opportunities throughout the city

Downtown & BelRed Strategy Refresh

Bellevue is beginning a refresh of its Downtown and BelRed growth strategies, with a draft scope expected in summer 2026.

Redmond

Redmond 2050 Implementation Continues

Redmond is advancing zoning and transportation updates tied to Redmond 2050, including increased capacity around new light‑rail stations and expanded allowances for missing‑middle housing. Draft code language heads to the Planning & Public Works Committee in April.

Shoreline

Station‑Area Housing Pipeline Expands

Shoreline continues to experience strong housing activity around the 145th and 185th light rail stations. The city is evaluating additional height and density allowances, with Planning Commission hearings in June and Council action expected in early fall.

Cottage Housing & ADU Updates

Shoreline is preparing updates to its cottage housing and ADU regulations, with a draft of the ordinance anticipated in Q2.

Issaquah

Central Issaquah Plan Refresh

Issaquah is updating its Central Issaquah Plan, focusing on residential capacity, mixed‑use standards, and mobility improvements. The Land & Shore Committee will review alternatives in May, with a preferred option expected by late summer.

Housing Capacity & Affordability Tools

The city is evaluating new tools to support housing production, including incentives for multifamily development and streamlined permitting for townhomes. A staff report is expected in Q3.