WA House passes bill nixing single-family zoning in much of the state

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

The Washington state House on Monday approved a bill that requires medium-to-large cities to allow two to six units of housing on a single lot in many areas.

The legislation essentially bans single-family zoning, a move vehemently opposed by some municipal officials, who fear loss of local control in zoning matters.

“This is, frankly, an attack on single-family housing statewide,” Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell told KIRO 7 last month, adding it's government overreach.

House Bill 1110 garnered bipartisan support in passing 75 to 21. The legislation moves to the Senate.

https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2023/03/07/bill-nixing-single-family-zone-passes-wa-house.html

[cbabe]

1. That's going to loop-de-loop property values. Wonder how banks will handle existing mortgages.

[not fooled]

2. Pretty worthless article

without reporting of who contributed money and influence to get this bill to pass. I smell developers' and the real estate industry's deep pockets.

Of course there is a real problem and need for more housing; I'm just not sure this bill is the best answer and the article does little to explain the possible repercussions.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

4. Were you able to get past the paywall?

A little more info on the bill.

HB 1110 would allow two units of housing to be built anywhere in cities with populations between 25,000 and 75,000. Four units per lot could be built within a half-mile of a transit stop or if one of the units is affordable to lower-income households.

In cities with 75,000 or more people, four units per lot could be built anywhere, six units could be built within a quarter-mile of a transit stop or if two of the six units are affordable.

These types of residences are considered "middle housing," not single-family but not larger apartment buildings, either.

[not fooled]

5. Yes, and thank you for posting it.

No criticism of bringing this to wider attention by posting the link and excerpts. My point is just that, as happens with much journalism these days, there is no coverage of the money that might have influenced what is happening.

[Aristus]

3. More housing units and mixed-use developments could ease

the homeless situation in the state.

But of course, nobody wants to do anything substantive about the problem when they can just complain about it.