Understanding House Bills 1337 & 1110 in Seattle: What Homeowners Should Know
Washington’s recent housing laws — House Bill 1337 and House Bill 1110 — are reshaping what’s possible for homeowners throughout the state, including right here in Seattle. These changes are designed to expand housing options and affordability while giving property owners more flexibility and control over how their land can be used.
For Seattle homeowners, these laws may open new pathways — whether you're planning for family needs, future investment, or long-term property value.
This article breaks down what these changes mean in clear, everyday terms.
House Bill 1337: Expanded Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
HB 1337 allows homeowners to more easily build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on their property. ADUs can include:
Backyard cottages
Basement apartments
Mother-in-law suites
Garage conversions
Small detached units behind the main house
In Seattle, where space is limited and housing costs are high, ADUs offer meaningful solutions.
Benefits for homeowners:
Create living space for aging parents or family
Provide stable, long-term rental income
Increase property value through added livable space
Support multi-generational households under one property
Seattle has supported ADUs for years — but HB 1337 reduces additional restrictions, making the process more accessible for more homeowners.
House Bill 1110: “Missing Middle Housing” Options
HB 1110 encourages housing types between a single-family home and a large apartment building — known as Missing Middle Housing.
In many Seattle neighborhoods, HB 1110 may now allow:
Duplexes
Triplexes
Fourplexes
In certain transit-accessible areas, sixplexes
The goal is not to remove character from neighborhoods — but to create more choices for families at different life stages.
For Seattle homeowners, this means:
Expanded redevelopment potential
Options to add rental units or shared ownership structures
Increased long-term investment value
New opportunities to support family housing stability
This isn’t instant neighborhood transformation — but it is new flexibility.
What This Means for Homeowners in Seattle
You may now have the ability to:
Build an ADU or DADU
Convert unused space to living or rental units
Add a small multi-unit structure (depending on zoning)
Partner with family members or investors
Plan phased redevelopment aligned with long-term goals
These laws give homeowners choice — and choice creates possibility.
Why Guidance Matters
Seattle’s neighborhoods vary significantly in:
Lot sizes
Slope and environmental restrictions
Permit timelines
Utility access
Transit corridor zoning overlays
Understanding what is possible on your exact property requires experience with local land use, construction methods, and financing pathways.
How Keith Bruce Helps Seattle Homeowners Explore Their Options
With over 30 years of real estate experience and deep knowledge of modular construction, redevelopment, and zoning pathways, Keith Bruce helps homeowners:
Understand what their specific property allows
Compare building vs. renovating vs. selling
Connect with builders, city planners, and construction teams
Make decisions at a pace that feels comfortable and well-informed
Keith’s approach is:
Calm
Patient
Integrity-first
No sales pressure — always client-centered
Curious What’s Possible on Your Seattle Property?
Let’s talk through your options — plainly and clearly.
No pressure. No obligation. Just clarity.
