Sen. Keith Goehner/R-Dryden/Credit: Washington State Senate
OLYMPIA… Last week, the governor signed landmark legislation sponsored by Sen. Keith Goehner, which gives counties the option to allow middle housing, such as duplexes and townhomes, in unincorporated growth areas and rural communities already poised for responsible development.
Goehner’s bill passed both chambers with overwhelming bipartisan support, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing Washington’s housing shortage while maintaining local control and respecting rural character.
“This is about unlocking real housing solutions without heavy-handed mandates,” said Goehner, R-Dryden. “Communities across our state are telling us that we need more housing types that people can afford. This bill allows counties to meet those needs while honoring local values and infrastructure realities.”
Middle housing—such as triplexes, fourplexes, courtyard apartments, and cottage homes—has historically been missing from many neighborhoods, especially outside city limits. Senate Bill 5471 empowers counties to authorize these housing types on lots currently zoned for single-family homes within Urban Growth Areas (UGAs) and Limited Areas of More Intensive Rural Development (LAMIRDs)—but with strong guardrails.
The new law takes effect on July 27, 2025, and caps development at four units per lot, prohibits excessive design restrictions, and ensures new housing is connected to existing water and sewer infrastructure.
“This is smart growth for the 21st century,” Goehner said. “We’re not paving over farmland. We’re putting more options where infrastructure already exists, where families are already putting down roots.”
The legislation also streamlines local permitting by requiring the same process and environmental review as for single-family homes. It protects local governments by shielding their implementation actions from legal appeals while ensuring that the Growth Management Hearings Board reviews overall compliance.
“This bill brings balance to the housing conversation,” added Goehner. “It allows rural counties to act, but doesn’t force them to. It encourages creative solutions without compromising local control. That’s the kind of policy we need more of in Olympia.”
The legislative session adjourned Sunday, April 27.
For more information on Goehner’s legislative work, visit keithgoehner.src.wastateleg.org.
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