WA New Housing Mandates: What it means to you…

In short, these bills require many local governments to revise their building regulations to allow for a greater number of units and increased types of housing in areas traditionally zoned for single-family homes.

Each city has until June 30, 2025 to implement these new mandates. Now, certain cities may be impacted more than others, as the mandates don’t require uniformity across the state – but everyone will feel it. Depending on where you live, the impacts could provide opportunities or headaches. Here’s how I see it:

The headaches:

1. Many neighborhoods are going to get more crowded. 
2. Some jurisdictions allow 3-4 homes per one residential parcel. Do we really want that much density?

The opportunities:

1. Homes with larger lots have instantly become more valuable.
2. It will be possible to build a Detached ADU (DADU) on your property for your parents, children or even as a rental property. The structure would have its own tax id.
3. You could now use your own land to build a home on it and sell it as a separate residence.

I’m happy to answer any questions you have about how these mandates could impact you and your neighborhood. If you are interested in exploring the possibilities of a DADU, we really should sit down and map it out to see if it makes sense for you.