State lawmakers could ban single-family zoning in most cities with new bill proposal

EVERETT, Wash. — Washington is one vote closer to more diverse housing.

House Bill 1110 is this year’s latest legislation meant to increase middle-income housing and almost eliminate single-family zoning.

Though similar bills have failed in the past, this HB 1110 has already seen bipartisan sponsorship and support.

The bill comes at a time when Washington needs more homes. The Department of Commerce estimates demand for a million more housing units by 2044.

“There is no single silver bullet solution to solve this crisis. We have to make it easier to build housing,” said co-sponsor Representative Jessica Bateman.

The bill would legalize duplexes in cities with populations between 25,000 and 75,000.

For cities above 75,000, the bill would legalize fourplexes. And in some cases, based on the number of low-income units and proximity to schools, parks and public transit, the bill would allow up to sixplexes.

“This is, frankly, an attack on single-family housing statewide,” said Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell.

He argues that HB 1110 undermines the work of city planning and is another example of government overreach by overriding local zoning regulations.

“Now they want to have people be able to plop a fourplex anywhere in single-family zoning. Anywhere. And the people are unaware of this,” said Ferrell.

Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin believes HB 1110 is necessary, saying that growing cities need more dense and diverse housing.

“I actually do feel like the housing crisis is at a point where we need to use every tool in our toolbox,” said Franklin. “We need to be fierce housing advocates, and I look forward to seeing where this [bill] goes.”

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