Washington Energy Codes and Housing Affordability

Washington builders and housing professionals continue to navigate increasingly complex permitting and energy-code requirements. In a Seattle Times opinion essay, architect Mark Shuler argues that the cumulative effect of these requirements is contributing to longer approval timelines, higher project costs, and reduced housing affordability.

Drawing on nearly 40 years of experience designing and permitting homes in Western Washington, Shuler calls on the state to evaluate how much energy each new requirement saves, what it adds to the cost of a home, and how those costs affect housing production.

He also encourages policymakers to consider whether greater investment in improving existing homes could deliver meaningful energy savings while helping balance efficiency and affordability.

Read the full opinion essay for one industry professional’s perspective on Washington’s housing and regulatory challenges.

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