Homes4WA is a project of Sightline Institute, a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank researching sustainability solutions for Cascadia for over 30 years. As such, we feature the bills and policies that Sightline’s research and coalition-building have elevated to the highest priority.
2026 priorities
Legalize tiny homes on wheels, aka MDUs (HB 1443) ➡️ For low-cost, fast-build, flexible housing choices great for grandparents, caregivers, and young people starting out
Legalize more elevators (SB 5156) ➡️ For more accessible new homes and age-friendly city living options
Pass the Vibrant Cities Act (Policy Brief) ➡️ To turn vacant urban land into the homes and local businesses that make Washington towns great
Cut red tape with ‘clear and objective’ standards (SB 5613) ➡️ So frivolous legal challenges can’t delay the homes we need
Speed approvals with permit-ready plans (SB 6015) ➡️ For faster adoption of economical, high-quality, factory-built homes
Allow the use of scissor stairs (HB 2228) ➡️ For more efficient and light-filled apartment building design
Allow homes in commercial zones (SB 6026) ➡️ For more choices near local businesses and shopping districts
Recent Wins
Homes4WA has helped drive significant wins in the last several legislative sessions, building on years of research and strategy by Sightline Institute. Highlights include:
Middle housing statewide: In 2023, HB 1110 legalized fourplexes or duplexes in most communities, and HB 1337 legalized two ADUs per lot and lifted onerous restrictions. Read more.
Best-in-the-US co-living homes policy: In 2024, Washington legalized this naturally affordable, flexible, and community-forward housing option. Read more.
Parking flexibility for homes and businesses: 2025 saw the passage of SB 5184, which capped or eliminated costly, wasteful parking mandates for homes and businesses—arguably the best parking flexibility law to date in the US. Read more.
More homes near transit: 2025 also saw the passage of a best-in-class transit-oriented development (TOD) bill. It makes the most of Washington’s recent big investments in regional transit by pairing plenty of new homes near stations, and doing so in a sustainably funded way. Read more.