CITY OF RENTON WASHINGTON

Middle housing refers to housing types that are similar in size, shape, and style to single-family houses.

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

To comply with the HB 1110 state mandates, the City of Renton must make the following updates to its zoning and development regulations:

• Allow middle housing units within all residential zones: A maximum of four housing units per lot allowed unless higher densities are permitted.

• Lots with affordable housing: A maximum of six housing units per lot allowed if at least two of the units are affordable housing unless higher densities allowed.

• Lots near a major transit stop: A maximum of six housing units per lot allowed when within a ¼ mile walking distance of a “major transit stop” unless higher densities allowed.

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: Allow 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 KBuchl-Morales@rentonwa.gov or 425-430-6578.

Staff is actively working on updating Renton Municipal Code’s Title 4 Development Regulations to comply with the state requirements. Updates will likely not be in effect until June 30, 2025.