CITY OF RENTON WASHINGTON

Middle housing is a housing type similar in size, shape, and style to single-family houses. It contains two or more attached, stacked, or clustered homes.

Examples include multiplexes (e.g., duplex, triplex, fourplex, and sixplex), townhouses, stacked flats, courtyard apartments, and cottage houses.

To be inline with the HB 1110 state mandates, the City of Renton must update its municipal code with the following:

• Allow middle housing units within all residential zones: Up to four housing units may be built on all lots within residential zones unless higher densities are permitted.

• Lots with affordable housing: All lots within residential zones, where at least two of the housing units are affordable, can accommodate up to six units.

• Lots near a major transit stop: Allow up to six housing units on all lots within residential zones and within a ¼ mile walking distance of a “major transit stop,” unless higher densities are permitted.

More Information: House Bill 1110 report, Your Voice Renton, and adopted legislation

An ADU refers to a dwelling unit located on the same lot as a single-family housing unit, duplex, triplex, townhome, or other housing unit. They provide the same essential functions as a typical residence, complete with a kitchen, bedroom(s), and bathroom(s).

To comply with the HB 1337 state mandates, the City of Renton must update its municipal code to comply with the following:

• General standards: Cannot impose setback requirements, yard coverage limits, tree retention mandates, restriction on entry door locations, aesthetic requirements, or requirements for design review for ADUs that is more restrictive than those for single-family residences.

• ADU quantity and type: Allowing a minimum number of two ADUs per lot and must allow ADUs to be attached, detached, or a combination of both.

• ADU size: Allow ADUs to be smaller than 1,000 sq. ft.

• Owner occupancy: Does not require onsite owner occupancy.

More Information: House Bill 1337 report, Your Voice Renton, and adopted legislation

The City of Renton is requesting comments from residents, agencies, tribes, and all parties interested in learning more about House Bill 1110 or House Bill 1337. 

Provide your comments through the Your Voice Renton pages:

• House Bill 1110 - Middle Housing

• House Bill 1337 - ADUs

Any written comments should be directed to:

Katie Buchl-Morales
Senior Planner
City of Renton
Community and Economic Development - Planning Division
1055 S Grady Way, 6th Fl Renton, WA 98057

Or reach out by email or phone at [email protected] or 425-430-6578.

The city is not required to implement the new legislation until 6 months after the adoption of the comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan will be completed by December 2024 and any changes to the city’s zoning and development regulations will not apply until June 30, 2025.