Understanding House Bills 1337 & 1110 in Tacoma: 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 Tacoma. These changes are designed to expand housing options and improve affordability, while giving property owners more flexibility and control over how their land can be used.

For Tacoma homeowners, these laws may open new opportunities — whether you're planning for family needs, long-term investment, or property value growth.

This article breaks down what these bills mean in practical, everyday terms.

House Bill 1337: Expanded Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

HB 1337 makes it easier to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on residential lots.
ADUs include:

• Backyard cottages

• Mother-in-law apartments

• Garage conversions

• Basement apartments

• Small detached houses behind the main home

In Tacoma, this is especially meaningful for neighborhoods where families want to stay close to one another or generate income from extra space.

Key benefits for homeowners:

• Space for aging parents or multi-generational living

• Potential long-term rental income

• More housing options within existing neighborhoods

• Added property value when designed strategically

Tacoma has embraced ADUs for several years — HB 1337 simply removes additional restrictions and makes the process more accessible for more homeowners.

House Bill 1110: “Missing Middle Housing” Options

HB 1110 allows more diverse housing types in areas that were previously zoned only for single-family homes.

Depending on the neighborhood, Tacoma may now allow:

• Duplexes

• Triplexes

• Fourplexes

• In some transit-accessible areas, sixplexes

The goal is to create real options between a single-family home and a large apartment building — the “missing middle” that has been absent in many neighborhoods.

For Tacoma homeowners, this may:

• Improve property redevelopment potential

• Create opportunities to add rental units

• Increase the long-term investment value of the property

• Support generational wealth planning

Change won’t happen overnight — but the options now exist in ways they didn’t before.

What This Means for Homeowners in Tacoma

You may now have the ability to:

• Build an ADU (or more than one, depending on lot configuration)

• Add a rentable apartment or cottage

• Convert unused spaces into income-producing living areas

• Partner with builders or family members to create shared-equity housing

• Redevelop your property in stages, at your pace

These laws provide flexibility, and flexibility creates possibility.

But the Details Matter

Each neighborhood in Tacoma has:

• Different minimum lot sizes

• Utility connection considerations

• Setback and design standards

• Transit-influenced density allowances

This is where guidance from someone who understands the city, the neighborhoods, and the practical side of construction is extremely valuable.

How Keith Bruce Helps Homeowners Navigate Their Options

With over 30 years of experience in Washington real estate and deep understanding of modular construction, redevelopment, and local zoning shifts, Keith Bruce helps homeowners:

• Evaluate what their exact property allows under the new laws

• Understand construction and financing options

• Identify whether adding housing or selling makes better financial sense

• Move at a pace that feels comfortable and informed

Keith’s approach is steady, patient, and rooted in integrity — no pressure, no sales push, just clarity and support.

Curious What’s Possible on Your Tacoma Property?

Let’s take a look together.
No obligation. Just a clear conversation.