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Middle Housing
Thank you for joining us at the Middle Housing Community Forum!
Weren't able to join us for the meeting? Watch the recording on our City YouTube channel.
Middle Housing FAQs
Download a copy of our Middle Housing FAQs!
An update about HB1110:
As of April 26, House Bill 1110 regarding middle housing had passed the State legislature and was awaiting the Governor’s signature. It will require cities like Bothell to allow at least duplexes in a minimum of 75% of primarily residential zones, and up to fourplexes within a ¼ mile walking distance of frequent transit stops. Up to fourplexes must be authorized throughout all residential zones in the city beyond a ¼ mile walking distance from frequent transit if at least one unit is dedicated affordable housing. Staff and consultants are analyzing how these requirements compare to the Planning Commission’s recommendations, which generally expand upon the new State requirements.
| Planning Commission Recommendation | New State Requirements | |
|---|---|---|
| Accessory Dwelling Units (2 per lot) | Citywide residential zones | Citywide residential zones |
| 1-2 Unit Dwellings | Citywide residential zones | Citywide residential zones |
| 3-4 Unit Dwellings | Citywide residential zones | 1/4 mile from transit, and Citywide if 1 is affordable |
| Courtyard Apartments | Citywide residential zones | Citywide residential zones optional |
| Cottage Housing | Citywide residential zones | Citywide residential zones optional |
Middle Housing Walking ToursWhat is Middle Housing?
"Missing Middle Housing is a range of house-scale buildings with multiple units--compatible in scale and form with detached single-family homes--located in a walkable neighborhood." - Opticos Design
In this diagram from Opticos, you can see that there are many different types of Middle Housing options both in size and building type. The City of Bothell is specifically discussing duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, cottage housing, and accessory dwelling units. Middle housing can be provided in a transitional zone between Single Family and Multi-family zones, or scattered throughout many traditional residential areas.
Housing-type definitions:
What do we mean when we say "house sized building" in single family zones? Structures that have the same height and setback regulations as single-family homes.
What is an ADU? Accessory dwelling units, sometimes referred to as “granny flats” or “mother-in-law apartments,” are relatively small dwelling units that are accessory to a primary allowed use, like a single family home. Currently, ADUs are only allowed with single-family homes except in the Downtown Subarea, where they could also be accessory to a multifamily unit, like a townhome. Detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs) are sometimes referred to as “backyard cottages.”
What is a duplex? Structure with 2 independent dwelling units. These could be side by side, stacked, or front to back attached units.
What is a triplex? Structure with 3 independent dwelling units. These could be side by side, stacked, or front to back attached units.
What is a fourplex? Structure with 4 independent dwelling units. These could be side by side, stacked, or front to back attached units.
What is cottage housing? These tend to be smaller scale, detached single family units, built around a shared common courtyard or outdoor space.
What are townhomes? Side by side attached units that often have multiple stories and individual entrances.