One answer to Washington housing crisis may be in your backyard, say state lawmakers
Every day, well-meaning charities are on the front lines of the state’s housing crisis, providing displaced Washingtonians with temporary shelter and basic amenities. But despite valiant efforts, groups like Tacoma Rescue Mission, Metropolitan Development Council and Catholic Community Services are fighting a war they can’t win — certainly not alone.
Washington’s housing crisis demands swift, creative solutions from state government. During this year’s short legislative session, lawmakers in Olympia have come up with several noteworthy efforts.
The best ones focus on creating more places to live. Ask any housing expert or public official of any party affiliation how to make housing more affordable, and they’ll tell you that increasing inventory is key.
Many states are turning to accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, as one way to fill the deficit. These single-detached or semi-detached units, often built in the backyards of single-family homes, are an affordable option for people of modest means.
In the past this type of dwelling was quaintly known as a “mother-in-law apartment,” but today ADUs address what’s known as “the missing middle” — the gap between single-family housing and apartment living.
Finding affordable living spaces in desirable neighborhoods, close to urban centers, good jobs, a transit line and quality schools, has become next to impossible. State lawmakers want to change that by reducing regulatory barriers around smaller secondary units.
Tacoma and Puyallup are among the Puget Sound cities that recently have paved the way, easing rules and lowering development fees for ADUs.
For Washington cities with 2,500 or more people, Senate Bill 6617 would allow up to two ADUs on lots with a single-family house, duplex, triplex, fourplex or apartment building. It would eliminate off-street-parking requirements for ADUs near transit stops and, for long-term rentals, get rid of the rule that owners must live on-site.
It’s hard to picture thousands of Washington homeowners suddenly jumping into the property-management business, but ADUs have proven effective elsewhere, so why not here? When Los Angeles loosened regulations, permits to build them surged by a factor of 30.
Undo code barriers, and Seattle officials predict 4,300 ADUs will be added in the Emerald City over the next ten years.
Legislators went too far, though, when they proposed allowing sixplexes on any property with zoning for single-detached houses. We’re glad that bill died in committee. Letting sixplexes sprout in every neighborhood might be a developer’s dream but it’s a community’s nightmare.
In another effort to equip local governments with more tools, House Democrats would give city and county councils authority to impose a 0.1-percent local sales tax for affordable housing and housing-related services. House Bill 1590 would end a requirement that local voters must approve such taxes. If it’s passed into law, we believe it should be covered in glass with a sign that reads: “Break only in case of emergency.”
There likely would be fewer emergencies if another proposal is adopted. HB 1694 would reduce one of the biggest obstacles to finding affordable housing: the up-front cash renters need just to get through the door of a house or apartment. The bill would let tenants pay certain sums such as nonrefundable fees, final month’s rent and cleaning deposits in installments. To us, it strikes a reasonable balance between being responsive to tenant hardships and ensuring landlords get paid.
Of course none of the aforementioned bills will solve the housing affordability crisis; the problem is too complicated for any easy fix. But if lawmakers continue on a path to correct the disparity between supply and demand — such as through a $100 million infusion to the state Housing Trust Fund proposed Monday by House Democratic budget writers — then displaced Washingtonians will have an easier time finding homes.
Washington lawmakers must continue working on this right up to the end of their 60-day session, and long after the final gavel sounds.