HB 1110 and HB 1337 offer increased flexibility based on distance to a major transit stop. The Washington State Legislature established two distinct definitions of a major transit stop; see below for more information for a summary of each and how they apply to middle housing and ADUs.
HB 1110 – Middle Housing
In residential zones Resource Conservation (RC), Residential-1 (R-1), Residential-4 (R-4), Residential-6 (R-6), and Residential-8 (R-8) where middle housing is proposed, up to four dwelling units are allowed per lot. Additionally, up to six dwelling units are allowed per lot on all lots within one-quarter mile walking distance of a major transit stop.
HB 1110 defines a major transit stop as:
• A stop on high-capacity transportation system funded or expanded under the provisions of Chapter 81.104 RCW;
• Commuter rail stops;
• Stops on rail or fixed guideways systems; and
• Stops on bus rapid transit routes, including those under construction.
HB 1337 – ADUs
In residential zones Resource Conservation (RC), Residential-1 (R-1), Residential-4 (R-4), Residential-6 (R-6), Residential-8 (R-8), Residential-10 (R-10), and Residential-14 (R-14) where ADUs are proposed and within a one-half (1/2) mile walking distance of a major transit stop, ADU parking is not required.
HB 1337 defines a major transit stop as:
• A stop on high-capacity transportation system funded or expanded under the provisions of Chapter 81.104 RCW;
• Commuter rail stops;
• Stops on rail or fixed guideways systems, including transitways;
• Stops on bus rapid transit routes or routes that run on high-occupancy vehicle lanes; or
• Stops for a bus or other transit mode providing actual fixed route service at intervals of at least 15-minutes for at least five (5) hours during the peak hours of operations on weekdays.
To help the public understand and take advantage of these incentives, walkshed layers have been created in the city's online mapping software, COR Maps, to help support questions related to ADUs and middle housing. These layers can be found in COR Maps under the Land Use and Zoning group or by visiting the standalone ADU and Middle Housing Walkshed Map. For ease of implementation, all parcels within the walkshed / buffer area, whether fully or partially within the buffer, will be considered within the walkshed.