In May 2025, the Seattle City Council passed CB 120969 to comply with state law RCW 36.70A.635. This law requires municipalities to implement rules allowing the construction of so-called middle housing in all residential areas. This term refers to low-rise apartment buildings, townhouses, cottages, and other types of development that provide a variety of housing types.
Starting June 30, 2025, all residential zones in the city will allow a minimum of four residential units on each lot. In areas near major public transportation stops, as well as when two affordable apartments are included in the project, the number of units may reach six.
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The decree also eliminates mandatory parking spaces for such buildings near transportation hubs and increases the permissible area and height of buildings.
Keep in mind that this law is temporary!
The changes adopted are temporary. The resolution is valid for one year and is intended to meet state-level deadlines.
It will then be replaced by permanent legislation that will become part of the updated Seattle Master Plan (One Seattle Plan). This plan is expected to include new incentives for affordable housing, as well as updated building design standards.
About the One Seattle Plan
In May 2025, the mayor presented the final version of the One Seattle Plan. This document shapes the city’s growth strategy for the next 20 years. It identifies priority centers for new construction and sets policy on equal access to housing and infrastructure. During discussions, the boundaries of nine neighborhood centers, five city centers, and one regional center were adjusted based on an analysis of local conditions and resident feedback.
In parallel, the City Council is considering a permanent package of amendments related to state law HB 1110 (Middle Housing bill). The goal of the initiative is to replace the temporary CB 120969 regulations and establish new zoning rules. These allow for the construction of more housing options in each neighborhood to meet growing demand.
Key provisions include:
- The ability to build duplexes, four-unit buildings, townhouses, and low-rise complexes.
- The elimination of mandatory parking spaces near major transportation hubs.
- Updating building design standards to take into account historic sites and infrastructure.
- More substantial incentives for affordable housing construction.
- Establishing new boundaries for district and city centers in the General Plan.
Meetings of the Special Committee on the General Plan are already scheduled for the summer and fall of 2025, including public hearings. The adoption of this package of laws will be the next step in the transition from temporary solutions to a long-term city development policy.