, R-Olympia, to allow homeowners to divide their residential lots and build additional housing has been signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson. House Bill 1096, which received final legislative approval just hours before the 2025 session adjourned, is designed to increase housing options at a time when Washington ranks last in the nation for the per capita supply of affordable housing. has championed lot-splitting legislation for the past three years as a way to address the crisis.

The median price of a new home in Washington has reached $700,683 — sixth-highest in the nation — leaving 82% of Washington households unable to afford a new home. Meanwhile, more than 200,000 Washingtonians are homeless or facing housing instability.

Under House Bill 1096, cities must establish a clear administrative process that allows homeowners to divide a residential lot one time, subject to specific eligibility criteria. To qualify, the parent lot must be located in a residential zone, meet local size and zoning standards, and have access to sewer, water, and other necessary infrastructure. The newly created lot must also be buildable under existing local and state regulations, including rules governing critical areas, stormwater, and setbacks.

, who serves on the House Housing Committee, says his bill represents a welcome victory in what was an otherwise challenging session for housing.

“While lawmakers this session failed to adequately address Washington’s housing crisis — and actually made it worse by passing rent control — I’m grateful the clock didn’t run out again on this critical reform to increase housing supply across the state,” said . “With prospective first-time homebuyers watching their dreams slip further out of reach and those looking to downsize struggling to find affordable options, House Bill 1096 offers a real opportunity. It will empower property owners to build affordable homes, help new buyers enter the market, and allow longtime residents to remain in their communities. We have so much more to do to solve our supply challenges, but this bill is a step in the right direction at a time when practical solutions are urgently needed. I want to thank the broad coalition of housing advocates, local government officials, and industry leaders, including the Building Industry Association of Washington and the Master Builders Association, whose support and collaboration made this bill’s success possible.”

House Bill 1096 will go into effect in July.