Renton Council approves middle-housing code update and commercial-to-residential conversion rules

The Renton City Council on Tuesday adopted two ordinances updating middle-housing rules and zoning provisions to allow additional housing units in existing buildings.

Council members voted by roll call to approve the second and final reading of a middle-housing code update and a separate ordinance to revise rules for converting commercial buildings to residential use. Both measures passed with all members present voting in the affirmative.

The first ordinance amends multiple sections of the Renton Municipal Code to implement corrections and updates identified during the code update process. The second ordinance revises zoning and development regulations to allow creation of additional housing units in existing buildings; the measure authorizes corrections, provides for severability and establishes an effective date. Both items were described on the record by staff and required a roll call for final adoption.

During the roll call for the middle-housing ordinance, Council President James Albertson, Council Members Rivera, O'Halloran, McErvin, Prince, Perez and Van each recorded “Aye.” The commercial-to-residential ordinance likewise recorded all ayes during its second and final reading.

The ordinances were presented as second readings and passed under the council’s standard legislative process; no amendments were recorded during the meeting and no additional direction to staff was announced.

City officials did not state specific implementation timelines in the meeting record. For details on effective dates and administrative guidance arising from the code changes, the city clerk’s office and the Department of Community and Economic Development maintain the official ordinance documents and will publish implementing rules if applicable.