In efforts to increase the affordable housing supply in Washington state, Rep. Andrew Barkis, R-Olympia, sponsored House Bill 1096 to cut through bureaucracy and increase the state’s housing supply by allowing new housing to be created through a streamlined lot-splitting process.
The state House of Representatives passed House Bill 1096 on Thursday, March 6. According to a press release from Washington State House Republicans, the median price of a new home in Washington is $700,686, or the sixth highest in the United States.
About 82% of Washington households are unable to afford a new home, according to data from NAHB.org, and over 200,000 Washington residents are homeless or facing housing instability — as cited by the Spokesman.
House Bill 1096 would directly address these challenges by ensuring cities process lot splits and building permits simultaneously to reduce delays and lower costs. Washington State House Republicans wrote that by “cutting through unnecessary red tape,” House Bill 1096 would help homeowners build new housing units faster and more affordably — all while meeting zoning requirements and needs such as water and sewer access.
“Washington is in the middle of a dire housing crisis. Solving it requires bold action that moves us away from the failed policies of the past,” Barkis said. “First-time homebuyers are watching their dreams slip further out of reach. Residents looking to downsize can’t find anything affordable. And we’re a million homes short of what the state Department of Commerce says we need by 2044.
“Instead of pursuing policies that will only make things worse — like rent control and heavy-handed mandates — we should be looking at real solutions that increase housing supply and open doors to homeownership. House Bill 1096 would do exactly that. By streamlining the lot-splitting process and removing unnecessary government barriers, we can empower homeowners, lower costs, and build more homes faster. This is a practical, common-sense step toward solving our state’s housing crisis.”
The bill will now move to the Senate. If passed, it would apply to cities required to allow middle housing and would not increase density beyond what is currently permitted by law. The release stated it would eliminate “costly” public hearings and appeals that can stall housing development. This ensures “more homes can be built without unnecessary government delays,” the release stated.
