Communities across Washington are exploring co-living as a way to accommodate housing needs for the state’s growing population. Co-living housing provides private living quarters, with shared kitchens and other common areas. This type of housing may be referred to as boarding houses, residential suites, micro-units or congregate living facilities.
State law passed in 2024 and codified as RCW 26.70A.535 will require all cities and counties planning under the Growth Management Act to allow co-living where six or more multifamily residential units are permitted on a lot. Cities and counties have until December 31, 2025, to adopt co-living regulations.
To assist local jurisdictions planning for co-living, Commerce has prepared several new guidance documents, including:
- Co-living guidance (PDF)
- Co-living parking study guidance (PDF)
- Co-living parking study factsheet (PDF)
- Co-living parking evaluation checklist (PDF)
Find these and other middle housing guidance documents on Commerce’s Middle Housing webpage.
For questions, contact Infill Housing Manager Lilith Vespier, Lilith.Vespier@commerce.wa.gov.