New State Housing Laws Could Mean Big Changes for Seattle

United Seattle • January 26, 2023
An aerial view of a large building under construction.

House Bill 1110 was recently passed by the Washington State legislature, which comes down as a big role in the cities across the state with the most impact felt in Seattle. The bill favors the construction of up to 6 times the density near public transit infrastructure hubs. This permits the construction of four residential units on every lot and six within a quarter-mile radius of all kinds of public transit systems. This practically means that building owners who were previously allowed to build two units are now allowed up to six-unit apartment buildings.

 

The lobbyists working on the bill ensured that it does not come in conflict with the current density laws like MHA (Mandatory Housing Affordability). It requires developers to look out for affordable solutions while building urban villages. As per Senator Joe Nguyen, this bill might not be perfect but is the ideal way forward considering the development acceleration required in Seattle over a large period.

 

The housing bill also affects individual housing projects under the SEPA or State Environmental Policy Act. At present any housing project can be appealed for a review based upon several reasons including view-blocking, noise pollution, or an increase in traffic, etc. The appeals can cause weeks and even months of delay even if they end up being rejected. With the passing of the new law, the legality of the appeals will be curbed under the SAPA if the construction falls under the legal purview of already existing laws and city building codes.

 

Andrew Lewis (Council member) notes that the process involves a legal fee that is ultimately paid by the taxpayer of the state. He further states that creating housing projects in Seattle has an upside to the climate rather than a downside as it is a “colossal environmental benefit”.

 

The said bill alone will have a joint impact combined with zoning law changes for Seattle. The update in the plan is due in 2024 when the urban planners need to come up with around a hundred thousand new residential units for the growing populous of Seattle. This will ensure enough housing for the next two decades as per statistics predictions. The zoning provisions will come into effect automatically after six months of this comprehensive plan update.

 

According to Alex Brennan, the director of Future Wise, a smart growth advocacy group, the approval of four housing units per lot opens up new options for future growth in Seattle. Instead of having to fight for that minimum baseline, the focus can now shift to thinking about where new developments can be created, such as new areas of development or corridors that can support denser housing. It's also important to consider how essential services like corner stores can be integrated into these neighborhoods.

 

Zoning laws, house building codes, and new bills can be a menace to understand for a layman looking to become a homeowner in Seattle. Therefore, the help of experts at United Seattle may be a good idea to get ahead of the curve and not lose out money in construction or future legal battles.

By Victor K July 2, 2025
Green and sustainable construction has become the latest buzzword in the Seattle construction industry. Any commercial subcontractor Seattle will tell you that this is the way forward and if a commercial construction subcontractor Seattle is not offering these services, the projects will dry up quickly, especially the ones associated with ADUs and DADUs. By becoming a trusted name as a building subcontractor Washington who offers green DADU building services, not only do you get more projects but free marketing as well. There are a number of advantages on offer for general contractors as well as homeowners making your commercial construction project management Seattle company an instant hit in a competitive Seattle market. We look at some of the advantages that you instantly gain and offer to your clients as a commercial subcontractor Seattle. The importance of Green DADU The first and foremost thing you should know is that people who are building DADUs in their already completed structures think differently. It is their forward-thinking approach that makes them contact a commercial construction subcontractor Seattle to add a structure to their house. The latest wave of green requirements has taken the Seattle market by storm and any building subcontractor Washington should become an expert before the bandwidth is choked. For subcontractors, this means that simply meeting the code is no longer enough. Clients want DADUs that are net-zero-ready, energy-efficient, and environmentally sound from the ground up. Builders and general contractors are increasingly looking for subs who understand these goals and can contribute solutions, not just labor. 
By Victor K June 24, 2025
Before contracting for an ADU in Seattle, it is important to know the different kinds of permits and the processes involved. Since it is usually a legal battle, it becomes a struggle costing you money, time, and reputation in the market. You must also fully understand what constitutes an ADU and its differences from a DADU. Many instances in the past have involved the wrong permit process initiation because of how the state defines an ADU and how your client does it. Let us dive into some of the steps you must take as a commercial construction subcontractor Seattle to ensure that your legal aspect is as good as your construction practice. ADU vs DADU Zoning Laws Seattle/s zoning laws allow the construction of ADU and DADU on most single-family homes. Generically, the difference is between the square footage and setback rules. As a general code, the commercial project management Seattle should additionally check for Lot zones and overlays like environment, public buildings and critical zones, etc. Proper Assessment Pre-planned site assessment is a special art that leads to better end results for any construction management subcontractor. It goes the same for any construction project but specially for an ADU since this is constructed in an already built property . The zone and code violations usually come into play at the end of the project and therefore extreme care should be exercised at the very start. Some of the important aspects to be checked are local zoning laws, lot size, slope, utility access and setbacks. Encourage clients to get a Pre-Application Site Visit (PASV) from the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) if the site has complexity. 
By Victor K June 10, 2025
In today’s fast-paced construction environment, commercial buildings are no longer just boxes built for function—they’re thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect brand identity, sustainability goals, and future adaptability. As a result, modern commercial architecture has evolved dramatically, and so has the way buildings are framed. At the heart of this evolution is metal framing, a construction method that supports design flexibility, structural integrity, and long-term efficiency. From sleek office towers to expansive retail centers, commercial metal framing has become a cornerstone of commercial building design. In this article, we’ll explore the many ways metal framing enhances modern commercial architecture and why it continues to be the preferred choice for architects, engineers, and contractors alike. 
More Posts

We Offer All the Services You Need in One Place! We Will Save You Time and Money!

Call Us at (425) 521-7916 Now to Get a Free Estimate or a Free Consultation for Any of Our Services!

Contact Us