Three backyard cottages have been built in my southeast Seattle neighborhood since fall 2006 when the city passed ordinance 122190 making detached accessory dwelling units an outright permitted use. Now on the drawing board is a proposal to make backyard cottages legal across the city.
Mayor Greg Nickels has proposed legislation that would allow homeowners citywide the option to build backyard cottages. The proposal does not come without conditions though—an owner must live on the premises and there’s a limit of 50 new cottage permits each calendar year. At only 50 units per year, it's clear these infill cottages will not become the solution to the city's affordable housing shortage, but they do offer a handy tool in the alternative housing toolbox.
To ensure compatibility in established neighborhoods, the city is proposing a minimum lot size of 4,000 square feet and a maximum lot coverage of 35 percent for the main house and cottage combined. Additionally, the cottages can be no more than 800 square feet in area, with a height limit of 15 - 23 foot height depending on lot width.
To learn more, attend one of the city's scheduled presentations:
July 15, 2009: 6:30 p.m. (7:30 on the agenda). Presentation to the SW District Council at South Seattle Community College, 6000 16th Avenue Southwest
August 3, 2009: 6:00 p.m. (no agenda/time yet). Presentation to the Lake Union District Council at Fremont Neighborhood Service Center, 908 North 34th Street
