Whether allowing new detached dwelling units on most lots in the state’s rural areas would undermine decades of growth planning is a question that’s been put front-and-center by House Bill 2126.

Whether to allow property owners in Washington’s rural areas to build detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs) separate from a main house is turning into a fairly contentious issue during this year’s legislative session. To many policymakers grappling with Washington’s housing affordability crisis, the change is a sensible one that would allow flexibility and lead to increased housing options in the state’s rural areas but on the other side are conservation and environmental advocates concerned that potentially doubling the number of units allowed on rural lots will lead to increased sprawl and out-of-control water usage.