Washington State Housing Legislative Updates

Sunset court

The Washington State Legislature is working to adopt new statewide housing legislation with the goal of expanding the state’s housing supply.

The 2023 Washington State legislative session was designated as “the year of housing.” Two important bills from the session focus on expanding housing types and increasing housing inventory through accessory dwelling units and “middle housing.” The City of Renton is updating its development regulations to comply with the new state requirements by June 30, 2025. 

Residents are invited to access project documents and updates, participate in public hearings, and provide feedback on Your Voice Renton.

House Bill 1110 – Middle Housing

Middle housing refers to housing types that are similar in size, shape, and style to single-family houses.

Examples include multiplexes (e.g., duplex, triplex, fourplex, and sixplex), townhouses, stacked flats, courtyard apartments, and cottage houses.

To comply with the HB 1110 state mandates, the City of Renton must make the following updates to its zoning and development regulations:

  • Allow middle housing units within all residential zones: A maximum of four housing units per lot allowed unless higher densities are permitted.

  • Lots with affordable housing: A maximum of six housing units per lot allowed if at least two of the units are affordable housing unless higher densities allowed.

  • Lots near a major transit stop: A maximum of six housing units per lot allowed when within a ¼ mile walking distance of a “major transit stop” unless higher densities allowed.

More Information: House Bill 1110 report, Your Voice Renton, and adopted legislation

 

House Bill 1337 – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

An ADU refers to a dwelling unit located on the same lot as a single-family housing unit, duplex, triplex, townhome, or other housing unit. They provide the same essential functions as a typical residence, complete with a kitchen, bedroom(s), and bathroom(s).

To comply with the HB 1337 state mandates, the City of Renton must update its municipal code to comply with the following:

  • General standards: Cannot impose setback requirements, yard coverage limits, tree retention mandates, restriction on entry door locations, aesthetic requirements, or requirements for design review for ADUs that is more restrictive than those for single-family residences.

  • ADU quantity and type: Allow a minimum number of two ADUs per lot and must allow ADUs to be attached, detached, or a combination of both.

  • ADU size: Allow ADUs to be smaller than 1,000 sq. ft.

  • Owner occupancy: Does not require onsite owner occupancy.

More Information: House Bill 1337 report, Your Voice Renton, and adopted legislation

 

Upcoming Events

HB 1110 Online Open House

We are pleased to announce the second online open house for HB 1110! Join us Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. for an online presentation and summary of the draft ordinance.

Register online. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email and information to access the meeting.

Stay informed, be heard

The City of Renton is requesting comments from residents, agencies, tribes, and all parties interested in learning more about House Bill 1110 or House Bill 1337. Provide your comments:

Online

Engage with the Your Voice Renton pages at House Bill 1110 - Middle Housing and House Bill 1337 - ADUs.

Written

Any written comments should be directed to:

Katie Buchl-Morales
Senior Planner
City of Renton
Community and Economic Development - Planning Division
1055 S Grady Way, 6th Fl Renton, WA 98057

Email or Phone

Contact Katie Buchl-Morales at KBuchl-Morales@rentonwa.gov or 425-430-6578.

Timeline

Staff is actively working on updating Renton Municipal Code’s Title 4 Development Regulations to comply with the state requirements. Updates will likely not be in effect until June 30, 2025.

Contact us

Phone

425-430-6578

Email

kbuchl-morales@rentonwa.gov

 

 

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