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WashingtonSB 54712025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Authorizing middle housing in unincorporated growth areas and unincorporated urban growth areas, certain limited areas of more intensive rural development, and fully contained communities.

Sponsored By: Keith Goehner (Republican)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More homes on county single-family lots

The law lets counties allow up to four homes on lots that now allow one house. This applies in designated rural development areas and inside urban growth areas. Counties cannot set tougher rules than for a single-family house, but can use objective rules like setbacks, lot coverage, stormwater, and tree retention. Middle housing uses the same permit and environmental review steps as a single-family house. Rural projects must use existing sewer lines, and urban projects must have water and sewer service.

Fewer appeals on local housing rules

Cities and counties that adopt rules to carry out these housing laws are not subject to certain environmental appeals. This includes actions under the 2022 housing law, most increased residential capacity actions, RCW 36.70A.635, and RCW 36.70A.680 and .681. For those 2022 and capacity actions, people can still appeal if the action likely causes significant harm to fish habitat. Inside urban growth areas, the Growth Management Hearings Board cannot hear cases claiming noncompliance based on these implementing actions. This speeds local rule changes but reduces those review paths.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Keith Goehner

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jessica Bateman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Marko Liias

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mike Chapman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Noel Frame

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rebecca Saldaña

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 186 • No: 4

Senate vote • 4/21/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 48 • No: 0

House vote • 4/12/2025

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 90 • No: 4 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 2/19/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    5/20/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 386, 2025 Laws.

    5/20/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    5/20/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/24/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/23/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    4/22/2025legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/21/2025Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    4/21/2025House

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 90; nays, 4; absent, 0; excused, 4.

    4/12/2025Senate

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/12/2025Senate

  11. Committee amendment(s) adopted with no other amendments.

    4/12/2025Senate

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

    4/11/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    3/27/2025Senate

  14. HOUS - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/24/2025Senate

  15. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/24/2025Senate

  16. HOUS - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    3/24/2025Senate

  17. First reading, referred to Housing.

    2/24/2025Senate

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

    2/19/2025Senate

  19. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/19/2025Senate

  20. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    2/19/2025Senate

  21. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/12/2025Senate

  22. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/10/2025Senate

  23. HSG - Majority; do pass.

    2/7/2025Senate

  24. First reading, referred to Housing.

    1/23/2025Senate

  25. Introduced

    1/23/2025Senate

Bill Text

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