Co-Living Housing Code Amendments

Co-living housing is a residential use type containing independent lockable sleeping units that provide living and sleeping space with communal kitchen facilities that are shared between units. Bathrooms may be within each individual unit or shared between units.

In 2024, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 1998 which requires cities to allow for co-living housing on any lot that could develop six or more multifamily residential units. Kirkland currently allows for a similar housing type, what we call “residential suites”, in select zones, but it does not fully comply with the requirements of this new bill. We are required to amend our Municipal and Zoning Codes by December 31st, 2025, to comply with HB 1998.

Residential suites is an existing use in the Zoning Code that is allowed in select zones within the city. Residential suites have a similar setup as co-living units of individual sleeping rooms and a shared kitchen facility, but the existing Kirkland development standards (e.g. room dimensions, parking) for residential suites are more restrictive than the development standards mandated by State law.

Co-living units will count as a quarter of a dwelling unit for density calculations. So, if a lot would allow for six multifamily units, 24 co-living units could instead be built (if all the development standards are met). This density is a state requirement.

The state bill requires cities to allow for co-living housing on any lot that could be developed with six or more multifamily dwelling units. Therefore, they will only be allowed where multifamily development is currently allowed, which is in medium and high-density residential zones, commercial zones, and business districts. These are areas of Kirkland that already have a mix of uses and more dense housing.

• July 10, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting Materials(PDF, 1MB)

August 6, 2025: City Council Briefing

• Materials coming soon