Middle Housing: Neighborhoods of the Future

​Middle housing, often referred to as "missing middle" housing, is a concept that aims to bridge the gap between single-family homes and high-density apartment buildings. It includes a variety of housing types such as duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, and courtyard apartments, which are designed to be compatible in scale and character with existing single-family neighborhoods.
 
In Washington State, there have been significant legislative changes to promote the development of middle housing. During the 2023-24 legislative session, HB 1110 was adopted, which requires local governments to address infill housing as part of their comprehensive plan and development regulations. This bill aims to increase the housing supply and diversity within residential neighborhoods by allowing multiple dwelling units per lot in forms that are similar in bulk and form to single-family houses.
 
Following the passage of HB 1110, the Washington State Department of Commerce published model ordinances to assist local jurisdictions in implementing the legislation. These ordinances include both mandatory requirements from HB 1110 and optional development standards to facilitate middle housing development. Jurisdictions can adjust optional standards based on local preferences, and the model ordinances are tailored for cities with populations above and below 25,000.
 
Moreover, in March 2024, the Legislature passed HB 2321 amending parts of HB 1110. This led to draft updates to the middle housing model ordinances and user guide to reflect these changes. The updated drafts were made available for public comment, indicating an ongoing process to refine and improve the implementation of middle housing strategies.
 
The Department of Commerce has also provided a user guide that offers background information on the content of the model ordinances, links to resources, and other guidance related to HB 1110 implementation. This comprehensive approach demonstrates Washington State's commitment to expanding affordable housing options and creating more inclusive communities through the development of middle housing.
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Read more about what the City of Kennewick is doing about middle housing.