The latest data from the Census Bureau show single-family permits up 25% in the three-county Seattle metro area through March, compared to the same period last year. Pierce County saw the biggest rise in single-family permit activity among the three counties, up 61% year-over-year in the first quarter. Multifamily permits more than doubled in the region, led by big upticks in Pierce and King counties. However, Snohomish County experienced a drop in multifamily permit activity in the first quarter.

In 2019, the Washington State Department of Commerce awarded $4 million to 52 communities to address housing affordability. The grants have funded the development of housing action plans and city code changes to increase urban residential building capacity and streamline development regulations.

This week, the Lake Stevens City Council held a public hearing on the city’s proposed increases to SEPA exemptions for minor construction. The council amended and adopted the maximum thresholds for residential units by a vote of 5-2.

The cost of lumber is up a staggering 280%. The cost of housing has increased significantly: constructing just one single-family home is now nearly $36,000 more expensive because of skyrocketing lumber prices. A variety of market conditions and consumer choices are driving shortages and increasing prices. This is on top of already higher lumber prices due to tariffs on Canadian lumber imports implemented in 2017.

The Newcastle Planning Commission is discussing a substantial update to the City’s Subdivision Code. The hearing at Planning Commission is expected in June with the City Council potentially taking action in July.