Two New Washington Laws Just Changed the Math on Multifamily Development
New Law Reduces Parking Mandates Statewide
Washington’s Parking Reform and Modernization Act (SB 5184)—originally passed in early 2025—has been reframed in a new analysis published on July 25 by CNU Public Square. The piece explains that all apartments under 1,200 sq ft (which represent the majority of new units) are fully exempt from minimum parking requirements. Other exemptions include ADUs, affordable housing, senior housing, childcare facilities, and commercial spaces under 3,000 sq ft. For everything else, the law restricts requirements to 0.5 spaces per multifamily unit, one space per single-family home, and two spaces per 1,000 sq ft of commercial space. This article offers a timely, strategic perspective. It shows how the law reshapes multifamily development in Washington—cutting costs, boosting density, and reframing parking as a market choice rather than a regulatory burden. Read the full CNU Public Square article.
Incentives for Transit-Oriented Development Are Now in Effect
On July 27, Washington’s ambitious transit-oriented development law (HB 1491) officially went into effect. The legislation requires cities across the state to permit higher-density housing near transit stations. This includes upzoning within a quarter-mile of bus rapid transit (bus/trunk routes) and a half-mile of light or commuter rail. Developments in these zones must reserve 10% of units for affordability (up to 60% AMI) and 20% for workforce housing (up to 80% AMI). In exchange, they receive a 20-year multifamily tax exemption and 50% off impact fees. Cities have implementation deadlines ranging from immediate to as late as 2029 for fully compliant zoning updates.
This law positions Washington among the most progressive states, driving housing density near transit. Read the full story from the Washington State Standard
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