'Missing Middle Housing' Accounted for Nearly 20% of Spokane Permits in 2025

Why It Matters

The rapid rise in missing‑middle housing directly expands affordable, higher‑density options, helping Spokane meet growing demand while curbing urban sprawl. It demonstrates how zoning reforms can quickly reshape a city’s housing supply dynamics.

Key Takeaways

• Missing middle units hit 20% of Spokane permits in 2025
• Permits rose from 3‑4% (2020‑22) to 20% (2025)
• BOCA ordinance allowed up to four units on single‑family lots
• Policy became permanent Building Opportunity for Housing in Nov 2023
• Growth may ease affordability and increase urban density

Pulse Analysis

Spokane’s recent permitting data underscores a broader national conversation about missing‑middle housing, a category that fills the gap between single‑family homes and large apartment complexes. Cities across the United States are grappling with housing shortages, and policymakers are turning to mid‑scale solutions—duplexes, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units—to boost supply without overwhelming existing neighborhoods. Spokane’s 20% share of such units in 2025 places it among the more aggressive adopters of this approach, reflecting both local demand pressures and a willingness to experiment with density.

The catalyst for this shift was the 2022 interim Building Opportunity and Choices for All (BOCA) ordinance, which temporarily allowed up to four residential units on a single‑family lot. By making the ordinance permanent as the Building Opportunity for Housing rule in November 2023, Spokane gave developers clear, long‑term guidance. The result was a dramatic increase in permits: from a modest 3‑4% of total permits in the early pandemic years to nearly one‑fifth in just three years. This policy lever not only expands the housing stock but also promotes affordability, as smaller multifamily units typically cost less to build and purchase than larger projects.

Looking ahead, Spokane’s experience offers a template for other mid‑size cities seeking to balance growth with livability. The data suggests that well‑designed zoning reforms can quickly translate into tangible supply gains, especially when paired with community outreach to address concerns about density and neighborhood character. However, sustained success will depend on complementary measures—streamlined permitting, financing incentives, and infrastructure upgrades—to ensure that new middle‑housing projects integrate smoothly into the urban fabric and truly alleviate the region’s housing affordability challenges.