Changes in Washington State Housing Law

Washington State is implementing some important new housing related laws to meet growing demand. The Washington State Department of Commerce has estimated in a March 2023 report that the state needs 1.1 million new dwellings in the next 20 year. That’s about 50,000 per year.

The Washington State Legislature has also recently signed into law several important housing related bills

• House Bill 1337 – An ACT Relating to expanding housing options by easing barriers to the construction and use of accessory dwelling units. This bill mandates that cities and counties in Washington allow more accessory dwelling units in zones that are designated as residential.
• House Bill 1110 (Bill information) – AN ACT Relating to creating more homes for Washington by increasing middle housing in areas traditionally dedicated to single family detached housing. This bill mandates that different “middle housing” dwelling units like apartments, ADUs, townhouses, etc. in single-family residentials zones.
• House Bill 1220 – AN ACT Relating to supporting emergency shelters and housing through local planning and development regulations.

This all boils down to: Washington needs more housing in the coming decades, and the state’s laws are being upgraded to help meet the demand. This is a big deal for people interested in tiny homes. Whether on wheels or on a foundation, tiny homes are a great way of creating and ADU (accessory dwelling unit).