AIRWAY HEIGHTS, Wash. — The Airway Heights City Council approved zoning code changes designed to make it easier to build more homes as officials work to address the housing shortage.
The changes would allow buildings in commercial zones, such as office spaces, to be converted into residential housing units.
“We’ve taken some pretty intense steps. I think, in the last three years, we’ve probably made more significant changes in terms of the allowances of different residential units,” said Zachary Becker, associate planner for the City of Airway Heights.
The vote comes as cities across Washington state prepare for a new state law that takes effect at the end of June. The legislation requires municipalities to approve their own housing zoning regulations.
Under the new regulations, developers can convert non-residential structures into dwelling units as long as they meet energy code requirements. The state law also waives transportation and impact fees typically associated with new construction projects.
“Basically, you can take a nonresidential structure and convert it to residential to create a dwelling unit. As long as you’re meeting the energy code,” Becker explained.
Airway Heights has already made significant zoning adjustments. Last year, the city eliminated single-family exclusive zoning throughout the community.
“We effectively eliminated single family exclusive zoning last year. So, any zone that was single family, you can now do duplex, triplex, fourplex stacked flat, and a couple other middle housing units,” Becker said.
While no developers currently have specific buildings identified for conversion, city officials say the code changes will create opportunities for future housing projects.
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