The Seattle Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee continued its discussion yesterday on the future of backyard cottages, otherwise known as Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs). The committee contemplated recommendations from the Seattle Planning Commission and discussed the potential facets of a policy that would allow backyard cottages throughout the city—not just in select south Seattle neighborhoods.
No votes were taken, but at the end of the discussion the committee set Sept. 23 as the target date for an official vote. Seattle City Council has also scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 5:30 p.m.
Among the key items of discussion:
- Should the maximum allowed square footage of the cottage be reduced to lessen potential impacts on surrounding property owners? It is currently set at 800 square feet.
- The feasibility and necessity of placing a cap on cottage permits. Some neighborhood activists strongly desire a cap on permits in order to preserve open space and parking, but all estimations show that it would be highly unusual for demand to exceed 100 permit applications annually. Would the creation of a cap mean acknowledging a problem that does not exist?
- Should there be any kind of restrictions on cottages to create geographic dispersion within neighborhoods?
Check out our story on last month’s special hearing in which the Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee gathered information on backyard cottages.
