Washington County ordinance supports more housing options

For Immediate Release: Thursday, June 30, 2022

An ordinance creating increased housing opportunities for people in urban unincorporated Washington County was unanimously approved by the Washington County Board of Commissioners during its regular June 28 meeting.

Ordinance No. 885-A amends the Community Development Code (CDC) to implement state law enacted in 2019 via House Bill (HB) 2001, the Middle Housing bill. The CDC changes allow duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, townhouses and cottage clusters in all residential districts that allow single-detached homes. Amendments include siting and design requirements for middle housing and provide related updates for some other housing types.

Middle housing in residential neighborhoods can increase housing choices for people at different life stages, and with diverse wants, needs and incomes.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity that this Middle Housing work will create throughout our urban unincorporated areas,” said Kathryn Harrington, Chair, Washington County Board of Commissioners. “Middle housing will help us continue to support vibrant, walkable, diverse and inclusive neighborhoods.”

Learn more about middle housing in Washington County.

Media Contact: