Washington House Passes Lot Splitting Bill

Residential properties can now be split, with certain restrictions, into multiple lots to spur more housing development.

1 minute read

January 16, 2024, 12:00 PM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Aerial view of single-family homes in Issaquah, Washington.

Neighborhood in Issaquah, Washington. | Overflightstock / Allen Park

The Washington State House of Representatives voted to allow residential property owners to split their lots as part of the broader effort to increase housing production.

As Laurel Demkovich explains in Governing, House Bill 1245 would bar cities from restricting lot splitting, with certain limitations. “The new lots would need to be no smaller than 2,000 square feet, at least 40% of the size of the original lot and could not require the demolition or alteration of any affordable housing.” The law also prevents cities from requiring more than one parking space per lot or frontages wider than 20 feet.

The legislature will be hearing other housing and zoning-related bills this session. “There are pending bills to improve tenant protections and stabilize rent, allow for co-living homes – independently rented, small apartments with kitchens shared among building residents, and create denser housing construction near transit stops.”

Tuesday, January 9, 2024 in Governing

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Sign for Palisades Recreation Center in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California.

Private Donations Propel Early Restoration of Palisades Playground

Los Angeles has secured over $1.3 million in private funding to restore the Pacific Palisades playground months ahead of schedule, creating a modern, accessible space that supports community healing after recent wildfires.

3 hours ago - Los Angeles Mayor

Aerial view of oil field in California with pumpjacks at sunset.

From Blight to Benefit: Early Results From California’s Equitable Cleanup Program

The Equitable Community Revitalization Grant (ECRG) program is reshaping brownfield redevelopment by prioritizing projects in low-income and environmental justice communities, emphasizing equity, transparency, and community benefits.

4 hours ago - The Othering & Belonging Institute

"Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas Nevada" sign with mottled shade from palm tree.

Planting Relief: Tackling Las Vegas Heat One Tree at a Time

Nevada Plants, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit, is combating the city’s extreme urban heat by giving away trees to residents in underserved neighborhoods, promoting shade, sustainability, and community health.

5 hours ago - KTNV