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WashingtonHB 22692025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning middle housing in unincorporated areas.

Sponsored By: Adam Bernbaum (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More housing options with utility requirements

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington counties planning under state growth-management law can allow middle housing in designated unincorporated urban growth areas. Rural counties can also allow it in designated areas of more intensive rural development. These permissions apply to lots that already allow single-family homes, with a maximum of four homes per lot. Counties cannot set stricter development standards than for detached single-family homes, but the same objective standards can apply. The same permit and environmental reviews apply unless other state laws require otherwise. In designated rural development areas, nonrural counties must require publicly owned sanitary sewer service. Rural counties can require either that service or a large on-site sewage system. Middle housing in urban growth areas must have water and sewer service.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Adam Bernbaum

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Andrew Engell

    Republican • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Mari Leavitt

    Democratic • House

  • Mia Gregerson

    Democratic • House

  • Strom Peterson

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 144 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/26/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/10/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 96 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/9/2026House

  2. Chapter 12, 2026 Laws.

    3/9/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/9/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/3/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    2/28/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    2/28/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    2/26/2026House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/26/2026House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/24/2026House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/23/2026House

  11. HSG - Majority; do pass.

    2/20/2026House

  12. First reading, referred to Housing.

    2/12/2026House

  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 96; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    2/10/2026House

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/10/2026House

  15. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/10/2026House

  16. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/6/2026House

  17. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    1/27/2026House

  18. HOUS - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/22/2026House

  19. HOUS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    1/22/2026House

  20. First reading, referred to Housing.

    1/12/2026House

  21. Prefiled for introduction.

    1/6/2026House

Bill Text

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