Middle Housing
Back to News Center Pushback from Burien residents against city ordinances increasing density have largely been put to rest following a review of city ordinances. In 2025, the Burien City Council approved density increases that exceeded the minimum requirements of HB 1110 and included a reclassification of the exclusive single-family…
Read MoreBack to News Center Seattle King County REALTORS® successfully supported code changes in the City of Kent to exempt small infill housing projects of four or fewer units from requirements to expand infrastructure as a pre-condition of construction. The action is part of a city initiative to remove barriers to…
Read MoreBack to News Center 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…
Read MoreBack to News Center Since adopting code changes in the comprehensive plan that were required by the WA legislature in 2025, the city of Kent launched an additional regulatory reform initiative called ReCode Kent – Phase 2. That effort, which is nearly concluded with support from Seattle King County REALTORS®,…
Read MoreBack to News Center This month, the City of Bellevue will introduce a new permit type designed to speed approvals for middle‑housing projects-townhomes, stacked flats, and cottage clusters with three to six units on a single parcel. The updated process creates clearer steps, reduces complexity, and reflects direct feedback from…
Read MoreBack to News Center In Seattle, Seattle King County REALTORS® is poised for a number of wins that will unlock major housing capacity throughout the city. For more than two years, we have been advocating for a bold, housing-focused update to the 20-Year Seattle Comprehensive Plan. The City Council’s recent…
Read MoreBack to News Center Seattle King County REALTORS®’ public hearing testimony in support of allowing townhomes in the city’s commercial business (CB) zone was well-received by Maple Valley Planning Commissioners. REALTORS® emphasized the importance and value of quickly updating the city code to incorporate Unit Lot Subdivision changes approved by…
Read MoreBack to News Center Under the leadership of Burien Mayor Kevin Schilling, and with the help of a skilled planning staff, the city of Burien not only met the minimum requirements of State comprehensive planning legislation, but the city council also stepped up to address the housing crisis that has…
Read MoreBack to News Center Seattle King County REALTORS® continue to support Federal Way’s proactive efforts to address the housing crisis through zoning reform, partnerships, and strategic planning. Earlier this year, REALTORS® backed code changes to promote middle housing and streamline the development of owner-occupied townhomes-making it easier, faster, and more…
Read MoreBack to News Center In 2023, the Legislature passed numerous new laws imposing new housing-related mandates on cities. In the four-county Central Puget Sound Region (King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap counties) cities were required to modify their comprehensive plans, and to modify their development regulations which implement the comprehensive plans.…
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