In the Seattle Metro Area, the building permit data for the year-to-date period ending on August 31, 2023, paints a distinctive picture of the region's construction activity. The statistics show a notable slowdown in both single-family and multifamily construction projects.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), recently announced a new policy which allows lenders to count income from small units of housing built inside, attached to, or on the same property as a primary residence (Accessory Dwelling Units) when underwriting a mortgage.

The North Bend Council held a public hearing on October 3 and authorized new amounts for school impact fees based on information from the Snoqualmie Valley School District’s Capital Facilities Plan.

On Monday October 2, the Tukwila City Council voted to increase SEPA exemption thresholds. MBAKS applauds the Council for approving the following thresholds at the maximum allowed by state law, facilitating much-needed housing within the urban growth area.

On Monday, September 24, the Bellevue City Council took final action on Ordinance No. 6754, raising the SEPA categorical exemption flexible thresholds to the maximum levels allowed by state law.