Proposed law would force cities to increase housing density in single-family neighborhoods

Last updated 1/20/2022 at 11:49am

Forcing higher densities in Washington’s cities will help reduce housing costs, cut fuel emissions and put an end to exclusionary zoning, supporters of House Bill 1782 say.

Critics of the idea, however, say it will require significant overhauls in city infrastructure and reduce local control of housing options.

The bill addresses the “missing middle,” housing options that exist between single-family homes and apartment complexes, such as duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes.

The bill requires cities to allow middle housing in every zone where single family homes are allowed. Supporte...

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