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Effects of Single-Family Zoning Changes in Washington
The winds of change are blowing through Washington State, and for homeowners across our cities, it’s important to understand how these shifts might affect your neighborhood—and your future. I’m Georgia, and I’ve spent over 20 years helping folks in our region navigate the ups and downs of property ownership. With House Bill 1110 now the law of the land, let’s take a neighborly stroll through what this means, especially if you live in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Lynnwood, Everett, or Mountlake Terrace.
What Are House Bills 1110 and 1337?
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In a nutshell, House Bill 1110 (HB 1110) is Washington State’s answer to our growing housing needs. It aims to increase housing options by requiring cities to allow more housing types—like duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes—in areas previously zoned for single-family homes. The idea is to give folks more flexibility and affordability when it comes to where and how they live.
Complementing that effort is House Bill 1337 (HB 1337), which focuses on expanding access to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs). HB 1337 eliminates barriers such as owner-occupancy requirements and off-street parking mandates in many cases, making it easier for homeowners to build additional units on their properties. This bill is especially impactful for families interested in multigenerational living, rental income, or simply maximizing the use of their lot.
Together, these two bills create a foundation for what many are calling “middle housing”—a more flexible and inclusive approach to neighborhood development.
As middle housing legislation reshapes zoning policies, many folks are wondering how these changes will show up in their own backyards (literally). If you’ve been asking yourself things like “What are the Seattle zoning changes under House Bill 1110?” or “How will this affect my property value?”, you’re in good company.
Each city is taking a slightly different approach, and as someone who’s both a homeowner and investor, I want to help you understand what’s changing in your community.
Seattle
Seattle’s response to HB 1110 involves updating the zoning regulations in Neighborhood Residential areas. These changes will expand what homeowners can do with their lots, potentially allowing for more units where only one used to be permitted. ADUs and DADUs are a big part of this plan, and the city is actively working to make permitting simpler and timelines shorter. Seattle’s got until June 30, 2025, to make these updates official, and the goal is to provide more housing without drastically altering the character of the neighborhood. If you’ve been keeping tabs on middle housing legislation in Seattle, these updates are directly tied to that effort.
Bellevue
Over in Bellevue, the city is also working to revise its land use code and city ordinances to support more middle housing. This means duplexes and triplexes could become more common in areas that were once strictly single-family. The city is working to align its codes with both HB 1110 and HB 1337, opening the door to more choices for homeowners and future buyers alike. In addition, Bellevue is reviewing its ADU policies to increase usability and support the creation of backyard cottages and in-law suites. In fact, local searches for Bellevue zoning changes HB 1110 have been trending upward as residents look to understand their new opportunities.
Kirkland
Kirkland is in the early planning stages. City officials are comparing the state requirements to their current zoning and prepping for updates that need to be in place by mid-2025. Expect to see briefings and community meetings popping up late this year and into next as they shape the next phase of neighborhood growth. ADUs and DADUs, promoted under HB 1337, are expected to be included in the conversation as part of broader middle housing implementation. If you’ve caught yourself wondering about the Kirkland changes due to House Bill 1110, rest assured—they’re working on it.
Lynnwood
Lynnwood is working under its Imagine Lynnwood planning framework to fold HB 1110 into its comprehensive plan. That means rethinking zoning to allow for a greater mix of housing types, particularly near transit lines. Duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, and ADUs are on the table, which could give current homeowners more flexibility or open the door for new development partnerships. HB 1337’s reduced restrictions on ADUs and DADUs are also expected to increase development potential. More and more homeowners are researching Lynnwood single-family zoning updates to better understand how their property fits into the new vision.
Everett
In Everett, about 75% of housing land is currently zoned for single-family use. With HB 1110, that’s going to change. The city is developing plans to introduce more diverse housing types and has already made significant progress toward implementing these changes. This includes expanding opportunities for ADUs and DADUs under HB 1337 as part of their broader push toward housing diversity. For longtime homeowners, that could mean more options when it comes to selling or even redeveloping. Local interest in Everett HB 1110 implementation plans has been growing as residents prepare for a more flexible housing market.
Mountlake Terrace
Mountlake Terrace is preparing to implement changes that meet HB 1110 requirements by June 2025. The city will allow at least two units per lot and even more in certain areas near major transit stops or when affordable housing units are included. This includes the potential for ADUs and DADUs, supported by HB 1337, to play a key role in meeting housing goals. This could be an exciting opportunity if you’re sitting on a larger lot or have been thinking about future development potential.
As you can see, HB 1110 and HB 1337 are more than just pieces of legislation—they represent a shift in how we think about neighborhoods and housing in Washington. For some, this may mean the chance to build a second unit for family or rental income. For others, it may be the right moment to consider selling to someone ready to build something new.
No matter your situation, I’m here to help you understand your options. Whether you want to talk about value, development potential, or just get a feel for what’s coming next, my door (and inbox) is always open.
