The bill amends RCW 36.70A.536 to allow rural counties that are required or choose to plan under RCW 36.70A.040 to authorize middle housing types on parcels that permit single-family residences in limited areas of more intensive rural development. The legislation specifies that no more than four residential units per lot may be authorized, and the development regulations must not impose more restrictive standards for middle housing than those for detached single-family residences. Additionally, middle housing must be served by a publicly owned sanitary sewer system or a large on-site sewage system.

Furthermore, the bill allows counties to incorporate similar provisions for middle housing types in designated urban growth areas, maintaining the same limit of four residential units per lot. The development regulations for urban areas must also align with those for detached single-family residences, including applicable development permit and environmental review processes. The bill emphasizes that middle housing in urban growth areas must be served by water and sewer services, ensuring consistency in housing regulations across both rural and urban settings.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 36.70A.536