Bill in Washington state Legislature could expand housing options

A bill aimed at expanding more housing options across Washington state is under consideration in the Legislature. Engrossed Senate Bill 5471 passed the Senate with bipartisan support and is now in the House of Representatives. 

The bill would allow counties to authorize one middle housing unit on every parcel currently for single-family homes within designated urban growth areas and certain rural developments. The bill aims to increase housing options while maintaining existing land use regulations to streamline the development process. 

Middle housing refers to duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, cottage homes and other multi-unit residences that fit within traditionally single-family neighborhoods.

The bill’s primary sponsor is Sen. Keith Goehner. Goehner represents the 12th Legislative District and is the ranking member of the Senate Housing Committee. He said the measure is designed to help alleviate the state’s ongoing housing shortage, particularly in rural areas such as the Wenatchee Valley. 

According to Goehner, by allowing a broader range of housing types, the bill would increase opportunities for homeownership and rental options for families struggling to find affordable housing.

“Middle housing allows for more people to be living in the rural areas where we really have a shortage of housing that’s really apparent for rural people that want to live in rural areas,” Goehner said.

The legislation is tied to Washington’s Growth Management Act, a state law enacted in 1990 to guide urban development and prevent sprawl. The proposed legislative changes allows middle housing to provide higher-density housing options while maintaining development regulations consistent with single-family residences.

Supporters of the bill say it would give counties greater flexibility to address housing shortages without overriding local decision making. Brian Enslow, who’s with the Washington State Association of Counties, said counties are looking for solutions to the housing crisis, and the bill provides a practical tool to increase supply.

“Counties want to help with the housing crisis. This would give counties that want to do this the ability to allow for units of middle housing, whether it is duplexes, triplexes, cottage homes, things of that nature to exist in the urban growth areas,” Enslow said.

An executive session on the bill is scheduled for Monday in the House Committee on Housing.