Middle housing (also called “missing middle” housing) refers to those housing types between single-family residences and mid-rise, multi-family development. Middle housing types included in the new state law are duplexes up to sixplexes, townhouses, stacked flats, courtyard apartments, and cottage housing.
What is HB 1110?
The State of Washington required most cities to adopt development regulations allowing for middle housing on all lots zoned predominantly for residential use, including minimum unit per lot standards, maximum parking requirements, and requiring administrative design review in cases where design review is used.
The main provisions of HB 1110 are codified in RCW 36.70A.635 through RCW 36.70A.638.
Click here to view the House Bill Report.
In order to comply with the HB1110 state mandates, City of Edmonds must comply with the following:
- Allow Middle Housing Units within all Residential Zones: Allow up to 2 housing units on all lots within residential zones, unless higher densities are permitted.
- Lots with Affordable Housing: Allow up to 4 housing units on all lots within residential zones, where at least one of the housing units is affordable.
- Lots Near a Major Transit Stop: Allow up to 4 housing units on all lots within residential zones and located within a ¼ mile walking distance of a “major transit stop,” unless higher densities are permitted.
Exceptions:
Within critical areas or their buffers
Do not apply to lots after unit
lot subdivisions below 1000 sf