State Legislation to Re-Legalize Microhousing
David Neiman
I wanted to take a moment to let you know about an exciting new piece of legislation introduced for this legislative session. HB 1998 and SB 5901 propose to make co-living (rooming houses / congregate housing / micro housing) legal anywhere in the state (within an urban growth boundary) where multi-family development is allowed. Put bluntly, the legislation says that in places where you are allowed to build apartments, your city can no longer cook up special rules that simultaneously prohibit building apartments that are affordable to poor people.
For the last 10 years Neiman Taber has been designing and developing micro-housing, writing and advocating for policy changes, touring public officials through our buildings - anything we can think of to try to move the needle on micro-housing rules. Over the years we have had countless meetings with policymakers and elected officials who have signaled their support in principle, but this legislation is the first time an elected official has actually brought forth legislation and put their political capital on the line.
I’m grateful to Senator Jesse Salomon and Representative Mia Gregerson for sponsoring this legislation, and to the folks at Sightline who have been tireless partners in advocating, organizing, and communicating so effectively on this subject.
I encourage you to give this effort your consideration and support. If you’d like to learn more, Sightline has written up a great explainer here: https://www.sightline.org/2024/01/05/washington-bill-would-legalize-low-cost-co-living-homes/
Information about how to get involved can be found in the section below (also from Sightline).
Best Regards,
-DEN
Last year, the Washington legislature took major steps to help control the state’s soaring home prices and rents and worsening instability and homelessness, including statewide policy solutions to lift bans on fourplexes, duplexes, and basement and backyard apartments (ADUs) in cities and towns across the state; bills that cut red tape and costs added by delayed permitting and excessive review; innovative ways to clear pathways to BIPOC homeownership; and a budget that makes unprecedented investments in low-income housing and supportive services. (Read about 2023’s historic suite of housing affordability bills.)
But one “year of housing” isn’t enough to reverse decades of self-inflicted shortage, nor to undo the damage of a century of racially discriminatory practices in housing. We need a “Year of Housing 2.0.”
So just a few days into 2024, it’s already time to start supporting a new slate of affordability solutions for Washington cities. Sightline Institute will soon share our full roster of priority policy proposals for connected, affordable Washington communities in the 2024 session. Meanwhile, a spotlight on a first-day-of-session hearing—Monday, January 8—for a bill to legalize low-cost “co-living” homes in Washington cities.
Co-living homes are an affordable, flexible, community-forward type of housing where residents enjoy their own private space while sharing common amenities in their building, like kitchens, outdoor spaces, and lounges. It’s a home type that makes for high-value urban infill—economical home choices near jobs, transit, and services—while also offering comfortable, close-in, affordable home options for a diversity of residents: a recent college graduate; a single, early-career professional; an single senior who wants to downsize and stay in their neighborhood; newlyweds saving up to buy a first home.
You might know these homes as micro-housing, residential suites, rooming houses, or single-room occupancy homes (SROs). Whatever you call them, the potential affordability payoff for these small home options is big. Rents in newly constructed, market-rate co-living homes in the Puget Sound region can be affordable to people earning as low as 50 percent of the area median income.
Local zoning largely bans co-living-style homes in Washington’s cities. But your voice could help change that. Representative Mia Gregerson and Senator Jesse Salomon have teamed up on companion bills, HB 1998 and SB 5901, to legalize these much-needed co-living housing options statewide. HB 1998 has its first hearing with the House Housing Committee Monday, January 8, at 1:30 p.m.,* and it needs your support! Read more in this Sightline article or this Sightline FAQ, and join us in promoting affordable, flexible co-living housing options in Washington: