How Zoning and Development Is Changing in King County

Big changes are coming to residential neighborhoods across King County. Thanks to new state laws aimed at easing Washington’s housing shortage, cities like Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Shoreline, and Renton are updating zoning rules to allow more housing types on lots that were once zoned for single-family homes.

That means your quiet street of single-family homes might not look the same five years from now. New duplexes, fourplexes, backyard cottages, or even clusters of smaller homes will likely be coming to your block.

If you’re a homeowner in King County, now is the time to ask: How will your neighborhood change?

What Is HB 1110 and HB 1337?

House Bill 1110 requires all cities of 25,000 people or greater in Washington to allow “middle housing” in areas that were once limited to single-family homes. That includes duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, cottage clusters, and more.

House Bill 1337 makes it easier to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) like backyard cottages and basement apartments. It removes parking mandates, owner-occupancy rules, and other hurdles that once kept ADUs out of many neighborhoods.

Together, these laws are opening the door for more density and significant change in long-established residential areas.

Check out our Effects of Single-Family Zoning Changes in Washington blog from a few months back that laid out additional details regarding the house bills.

Zoning Changes in Seattle

Seattle has already adopted zoning changes that go beyond the state’s requirements. Under new rules:

Up to 4 housing units are allowed on almost every lot in the city.
If a lot is within 1/4 mile of a major transit stop or includes 2 affordable units, it can hold up to 6 units.
Duplexes, townhomes, fourplexes, stacked flats, and cottage clusters are now allowed in areas once zoned single-family.
Homeowners can also build 2 ADUs per lot, with no parking requirements and no need to live on-site.

See Seattle’s zoning updates

Seattle’s neighborhood look and feel is going to change. Infill development, added density, and more units per lot mean more people, more cars, and less of the traditional single-family character some homeowners moved in for.

Thinking about selling before Seattle’s neighborhood shift becomes reality? Let Georgia Buys show you what your property could be worth today.

Zoning Changes in Bellevue

Bellevue has adopted zoning changes that align with HB 1110 and HB 1337. Here’s what that looks like:

4 units per lot are allowed across the city.
Up to 6 units are allowed near major transit or if 2 homes are affordable.
The city now permits all forms of middle housing, from stacked flats to courtyard apartments.
Two ADUs are allowed per lot, with more flexibility on placement and ownership.

See Bellevue’s middle housing code updates

Bellevue is changing fast, and these zoning updates mean formerly low-density streets may soon host multi-unit buildings. If you live in Bellevue, your lot is likely more valuable now than it has ever been. The question is whether you want to live next door to the transformation or cash out while your street still looks familiar.

Curious what your Bellevue property could sell for in this new market? Reach out to Georgia Buys for a no-pressure consultation.

Zoning Changes in Kirkland

Kirkland is finalizing its code changes, but here is what the city has committed to:

4 units per lot across the board, and 6 units near transit or with affordable housing.
More flexibility for duplexes, townhomes, and cottage housing.
Two ADUs per lot are allowed with no owner occupancy required.

See Kirkland’s zoning transition plan

This means older neighborhoods that were built out decades ago may start to see more development pressure. Whether that excites you or concerns you, it is worth evaluating whether now is the right time to make a move.

Wondering how your Kirkland neighborhood could evolve around you? Connect with Georgia Buys to learn about your lot’s full potential.

Zoning Changes in Shoreline

As a Tier 2 city, Shoreline has slightly different requirements, but changes are still coming:

2 units per lot are allowed citywide.
That number goes up to 4 units near transit or when at least one home is affordable.
Shoreline is shifting to a form-based code approach, which focuses more on the appearance and layout of homes rather than unit count.
Parking requirements are removed within 1/2 mile of major transit.

Read all the details about Shoreline’s plan

Form-based zoning means that while your block may still look residential, it could now contain far more people and housing units than it used to. If you bought your home for peace, quiet, and space, Shoreline’s zoning shift may have you reconsidering your next chapter.

Here’s a map laying out all the new Land Use Designations within Shoreline.

Residential Zones
Standards	NR1	NR2	NR3	TC-4
Minimum Lot Density	1 unit every 7,200 sqft	1 unit every 5,000 sqft	1 unit every 2,500 sqft	Based on bldg. bulk limits
Maximum Lot Density	3 units -or- 1 unit every 2,400 sgft whichever is greater	4 units -or- 1 unit every 1,250 sgft, whichever is greater	No Max: based on bldg. bulk limits	Based on bldg. bulk limits
Base Height	23 ft (28 ft if roof is pitched)	30 ft (35 ft if roof is pitched)	35 ft (40 ft if roof is pitched)	35 ft
Max Hardscape (Lot Coverage)	50%	50%	50%	90%

Live in Shoreline and wondering if now is the time to move? Georgia Buys can help you weigh your options.

Zoning Changes in Renton

Renton is also on track to adopt full compliance with HB 1110 and HB 1337. The city is currently in the drafting phase, but changes will include:

4 units per lot by right.
6 units for lots near transit or with 2 affordable homes.
Duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, and cottage homes will be permitted in residential zones.
Two ADUs per lot will be allowed with flexible parking rules.

Follow Renton’s public zoning update process

For long-time Renton homeowners, this is a major moment. Development could come quickly, and with it, new construction, more renters, and a faster pace of change. If you have been thinking about retiring, relocating, or simplifying, this could be the moment to act.

Have questions about how zoning changes might affect your Renton property? Georgia Buys is ready to walk you through your best next step.

Is It Time to Think About Moving?

Zoning changes like these are designed to add housing, but they also change neighborhoods. That quiet block you moved to years ago might soon look very different. The lot next door might not hold one home anymore. It might hold four. Or six. Or an ADU rental out back.

That is not necessarily bad. But it is a big shift.

If you’re wondering how your neighborhood could change, or what your property might be worth in today’s market, our team is here to help.