Understanding House Bill 1110 — The Law That Changed Everything

"Washington is in the midst of an affordable housing and homelessness crisis."
— Washington State Department of Commerce, 2024–2029 Homeless Housing Strategic Plan

In 2023, Washington passed one of the most transformative housing laws in its history: House Bill 1110.

This new law makes it legal to build duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in areas that were previously reserved for single-family homes — unlocking a wave of possibility for homeowners, investors, and the future of housing in our state.

🧱 What Does House Bill 1110 Do?

House Bill 1110 requires cities to allow middle housing types — like duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes — in residential zones that historically restricted development to single-family homes.

Here’s how it works:

• ✅ Cities over 75,000 people must allow:

  • Fourplexes on all residential lots

  • Sixplexes if two units are affordable or near frequent transit

• ✅ Cities between 25,000–75,000 people must allow:

  • At least duplexes on all residential lots

This means that in much of Washington, the average residential lot has the potential to legally support more housing types, often without requiring a rezoning process.

🔑 Why It Matters

This isn’t just a zoning change — it’s a paradigm shift.

Here’s why it matters:

• 🏘️ Unlocks More Housing Options: Legalizes a variety of home types to suit different household sizes and incomes.

• 💰 Promotes Affordability: Smaller housing units typically cost less to build and buy, helping close the affordability gap.

• 🚶 Enhances Walkability: Encourages infill development near transit, parks, and schools — making communities more connected and livable.

• 🌿 Supports Sustainable Growth: Concentrates development where infrastructure already exists, limiting urban sprawl and preserving open space.

• 🔧 Streamlines Development: Reduces red tape and accelerates housing creation by simplifying local permitting processes.

• 🚗 Modernizes Parking Requirements: Relaxes minimum parking standards for projects near public transit, helping cut costs and promote alternative transportation.

• 🏗️ Empowers Local Builders and Homeowners: Gives everyday homeowners and small developers the chance to invest and build in their neighborhoods.

• 📈 Addresses the Housing Shortage: Part of the broader goal to build over 1 million new homes in Washington by 2044.

💼 What This Means for Homeowners and Investors

House Bill 1110 opens the door to real opportunity — not just for policy makers or city planners, but for you.

Whether you're:

• A homeowner looking to build a duplex in your backyard,

• An investor considering a fourplex conversion,

• Or a small-scale builder exploring infill development...

This law gives you a new legal framework to create housing, equity, and lasting community value.

🧭 Want to Know What’s Possible on Your Lot?

Every city is implementing HB 1110 differently, and local conditions vary — but I can help you navigate:

• 📐 Zoning & permitting

• 💡 Site layout and design ideas

• 💰 Feasibility and profit strategies

• 🏡 Exit strategies: rentals, resale, or condos

📌 Coming up next: How Condominiumization Can Multiply Your Returns Under Washington's New Housing Laws

Let’s connect if you're curious about what your property could become.