The shortage of safe, affordable housing is a growing concern throughout the region. This issue affects everyone - working families, people of color, young people, seniors and people with disabilities.

Washington County needs at least 14,000 housing units, mainly for lower-income households, to meet the demand of its increasingly diverse population. The need is expected to increase as people age, new households are formed and evolve and the population increases.

Washington County’s goal is to create a community where everyone has housing options. Everyone should be able to find and secure a home that feels safe and welcoming and is affordable.

Background

Washington County Land Use and Transportation is planning and updating regulations to help increase housing options. Changes include:

• Updated regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), which can provide smaller and less costly housing units alongside existing homes
   
• Updated the Community Development Code (CDC) to allow retirement housing communities in more places
   
• Updated several standards to make it easier to develop housing, especially in areas that allow more residential development