Des Moines is actively exploring various strategies to promote ‘middle housing’ within the City. Middle housing encompasses a diverse range of residential structures with multiple units, designed to harmonize in scale and form with single-family homes.

Why is middle housing important?

• Diverse Housing Options: By allowing middle housing, Des Moines aims to provide a broader array of housing choices that cater to different lifestyles and income levels.
• Income Supplement and Family Housing: Middle housing offers homeowners the opportunity to generate additional income by renting out extra units. It also facilitates housing solutions for extended family members.
• Gradual Neighborhood Transformation: While introducing middle housing will lead to incremental changes in residential areas over time, it ensures a balanced evolution that respects the existing character of neighborhoods.
• Research and Insight: Des Moines is drawing insights from neighboring jurisdictions and regional authorities that have already implemented middle housing rules.

Source: Opticos Design, Inc.

What are the Potential Benefits?

• Increased Housing Affordability: By allowing for greater density throughout the city, especially along transit and commercial corridors, we can expand housing affordability and availability.
• Diverse Housing Choices and Options: Expanding housing choices ensures that households at all income levels and life stages have access to a range of housing types. Whether it’s apartments, townhouses, or single-family homes, providing diverse options allows residents to find housing that suits their needs.
• Infill Housing: Encouraging infill housing—building housing within existing neighborhoods—has several advantages. It maximizes the use of available land, reduces urban sprawl, and improves access to existing infrastructure.
• Multi-Modal Transportation: Supporting multi-modal transportation choices—such as walking, biking, and public transit—reduces travel distances to essential destinations like jobs, shopping, and community facilities. This not only benefits residents, but also contributes to environmental sustainability.

Source: Washington State Department of Commerce

Why is this Important or Needed?

Exploring options to expand 'middle housing' opportunities is one way to proactively respond to the present housing supply crisis.

What began this process locally?

In 2023, the Washington State Legislature passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill (E2SHB) 1110 (chapter 332, Laws of 2023)* related to middle housing. Middle housing is defined as “buildings that are compatible in scale, form, and character with single-family houses and contain two or more attached, stacked, or clustered homes including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, fiveplexes, sixplexes, townhouses, stacked flats, courtyard apartments, and cottage housing.” The state of Washington is facing a housing crisis for its current population; a lack of housing choices will continue to affect future populations as well. Due to this, the state has found it critical to its future to encourage the provision of a variety of housing options that are more affordable to various income levels and allow people to live near where they work. The City of Des Moines is categorized as a Tier 2 city, which applies to cities with a population of at least 25,000 but fewer than 75,000 persons. As such, the city is required to make changes to its code to allow Middle Housing.

The City has grant funding from the Department of Commerce to defray the cost of this work. The City intends to engage the public, community groups, local builders, realtors, nonprofit housing advocates, and religious groups in the preparation of a Middle Housing Ordinance (referred to as “Middle Housing Regulations”). The City and consultant team will identify groups that should be included in the engagement process and conduct community outreach.

*The bill was codified at RCW 36.70A.030, 36.70A.280, 36.70A.635, 36.70A.636, 36.70A.637, 36.70A.638, 43.21C.495, and 43.21C.450, 64.32, 64.34, and 64.38, and 64.90

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Will the Neighborhoods Change?

Des Moines, nestled on the eastern shore of Puget Sound, is a dynamic city that responds to the ever-changing needs of its residents. As our community evolves, one key element that can strengthen and diversify the fabric of our neighborhoods is middle housing. Let’s explore how middle housing contributes to Des Moines’s vitality:

1. Diverse Housing Options: Middle housing bridges the gap between single-family homes and high-rise apartments. It includes duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, and courtyard apartments. By offering a variety of housing choices, Des Moines ensures that residents of all backgrounds and life stages can find a home that suits their needs.
2. Complementing Surroundings: Middle housing can be thoughtfully designed to harmonize with existing neighborhoods. It can respect the unique character of each area while adding density and vitality. Whether nestled among tree-lined streets or near bustling commercial corridors, these housing options should enhance the overall aesthetic of a neighborhood.
3. Community Enhancement: As Des Moines's neighborhoods change, middle housing fosters community interaction. Imagine strolling along the boardwalk in Redondo, chatting with neighbors, and enjoying the area's amenities just steps away. These vibrant pockets of housing contribute to a sense of place and belonging.

The City’s Comprehensive Plan serves as a roadmap for growth and prosperity. It defines how Des Moines accommodates household and job growth, manages traffic, provides open spaces, and protects the environment. By embracing middle housing, Des Moines ensures a sustainable future while attracting new families, businesses, and investment.

In summary, Des Moines’s neighborhoods are like threads in a tapestry—constantly evolving, weaving together diverse housing options, and enhancing our sense of community.

What about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)?

While ADUs are not defined as middle housing, they provide infill housing that fits into existing residential neighborhoods. HB 1337 (2023) requires all local governments planning under the GMA to allow at least two ADUs per lot within urban growth areas, with some limitations.

What about factory-built "Tiny Homes" that are approved by Washington Labor & Industries?

Factory-built "Tiny Homes" that are approved by Washington Labor & Industries are not defined as middle housing in this context. You may be interested in learning more about these types of homes in the sheet provided by L&I here: https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/_docs/TinyHomeClarification.pdf?language_id=1

Who will "Middle Housing" be built for?

Middle housing plays a pivotal role in shaping vibrant communities and addressing critical housing needs. Let’s explore why it matters and how it benefits residents:

Diversifying Housing Options:

• Affordability: Middle housing bridges the gap between single-family homes and large multifamily complexes. It offers a range of housing types, including duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, and courtyard apartments. By diversifying housing options, Des Moines ensures that residents of varying income levels and life stages can find suitable homes, renters and owners alike.
• Access for All: Escalating housing costs can create barriers for many individuals and families. Middle housing provides an alternative, allowing people to access benefits and services across residential zones with greater ease. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or a retiree, middle housing offers a place to call home.

Empowering First-Time Homebuyers:

• Market Entry: For first-time homebuyers, entering the real estate market can be daunting. Middle housing provides an affordable stepping stone. These smaller units allow individuals and families to build equity and establish themselves as homeowners.

Supporting Extended Families and Aging Adults:

• Extended Families: Middle housing accommodates extended families and intergenerational households. Whether it’s aging people, adult children, or other relatives, having separate yet connected living spaces fosters a sense of community and support.
• Aging in Place: Seniors often seek to “age in place” near established networks of caregivers, friends, and amenities. Middle housing allows them to downsize while remaining part of their familiar surroundings.

Strategic Density and Neighborhood Desirability:

• Strategic Density: Middle housing, strategically placed near jobs, schools, and amenities, enhances neighborhood vitality. It promotes walkability and reduces reliance on cars.
• Desirable Communities: As Des Moines evolves, middle housing contributes to burgeoning neighborhoods. More residents attract additional amenities, creating a positive feedback loop. Vibrant communities emerge, benefiting everyone.

Will Middle Housing be allowed to go into environmentally sensitive areas?

The same environmental protection measures and requirements for mitigation will apply to middle housing, in the same way as all other development.

Do you have more questions? For more information, please also consult the Washington State Department of Commerce's FAQs page.

The following definitions are from HB 1110.

In 2023 the Washington State Legislature passed E2SHB 1110 (“HB 1110”) which amended the Growth Management Act (GMA) and requires cities make it easier to build middle housing.

City of Des Moines Housing Action Plan

Status: Adopted

On June 8, 2023 the Des Moines City Council adopted a Housing Action Plan (HAP) pursuant to RCW 36.70A.600.

Click on the link above to view the City's Housing Action Plan, which also includes a Housing Needs Assessment.

The Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) provides the data and analysis required to understand Des Moines’s housing needs. The Housing Needs Assessment looks at many factors related to housing in Des Moines, such as population and household characteristics, income and employment, and housing costs and affordability in order to provide a clear picture of the state of housing in Des Moines. The Housing Needs Assessment serves as a foundation for the City to design strategies to meet the City’s housing needs.

The Housing Action Plan is an implementation guide and is intended to provide clear actions that the City can implement to promote:

• More diversity in types of housing available in Des Moines
• More affordable housing for residents of all income levels in Des Moines
• Greater access to housing for residents of all income levels in Des Moines

Informed by the Housing Needs Assessment and community and stakeholder input, the Housing Action Plan provides guidance to the City on specific actions and initiatives to undertake in order to meet Des Moines’s housing needs.

City of Des Moines Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update

Status: Underway

Des Moines is working on the periodic review and update to its Comprehensive Plan. A full periodic review is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to revisit our community vision. Please visit the "IMAGINE DES MOINES 2044" project website: https://imaginedesmoines2044.com/

SAVE THE DATE - PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE ON MIDDLE HOUSING – January 15th from 5:30 PM To 7:00 PM AT the Des Moines Activity Center

Additional information on future events (such as an open house, workshops, or other public meetings) will be posted here once available.

Process and Timeline Overview:

The City Council will review the proposed Middle Housing development regulations and make the final decision regarding its adoption. Consequently, AHBL proposes hosting two briefing sessions with City Council about the update to the Des Moines Municipal Code regulations ahead of time. As set in state law, the City Council will review the draft Middle Housing Ordinance, solicit public input, make changes as desired, and locally adopt the final ordinance. The City Council is the legislative body with the final local decision-making authority for the local adoption of the proposed Middle Housing code amendments. Adoption of the Middle Housing regulations must take place before June 30, 2025.

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