We are excited to shine the spotlight on the many talented interns we have in our office. Enjoy learning more about them, and what drives their work at OPCD. Read our previous spotlights on Megan Rose and Harriet Wright. Originally from southern Georgia, Sarah lives in Seattle by way of… [ Keep reading ]
Mayor Bruce Harrell announced a package of new legislation to streamline the permitting process and increase production of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Seattle, creating more diverse and affordable housing opportunities. ADUs are secondary dwellings located in residential zones. They include detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs), often called backyard cottages,… [ Keep reading ]
City launches ADUniverse website features step-by-step instructions for homeowners, accessible in dozens of languages Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced today, the launch of a new website called ADUniverse that features backyard cottage designs that have been granted pre-approved City permits. The website includes a step-by-step guide to adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on a property and new data about the implementation of this increasingly popular housing option. After signing into law the… [ Keep reading ]
To help more residents own and rent detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs), the City is seeking submissions from architects, designers, and builders for plans that will be pre-approved for construction permits. Mayor Jenny A. Durkan directed City staff to select plans for pre-approval to make the process to design and permit DADUs — often called backyard… [ Keep reading ]
Today, the Seattle Department of Constructions and Inspections (SDCI) and Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) together are launching a survey to help guide our effort to select designs for pre-approved plans for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Small, secondary homes located on the same lot as an existing residence,… [ Keep reading ]
New Complementary Actions Work Together to Reduce Barriers for Development of More Accessory Dwelling Units in Single-Family Zoned Neighborhoods throughout Seattle Standing next to a backyard cottage in the Whittier Heights community, Mayor Jenny A. Durkan today signed legislation and an Executive Order to advance the development of more accessory dwelling units (ADUs) like backyard cottages and in-law apartments in single-family zoned neighborhoods throughout Seattle. Mayor Durkan signed… [ Keep reading ]
As Seattle faces a housing and affordability crisis, we need more housing options for working and middle-class families across the city. One important option are backyard cottages and in-law apartments (formally known as Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs). They offer badly needed options in single-family neighborhoods, where homeownership is out… [ Keep reading ]
Mayor Jenny A. Durkan today heralded the Hearing Examiner ruling on the Final Environmental Impact Statement that clears the path for more accessory dwelling units (ADUs), or backyard cottages, across Seattle. “Seattle faces an affordability and housing crisis, and we are acting to increase the supply of housing options as… [ Keep reading ]
Editor’s note: We are beginning a new monthly blog series, written by OPCD staff to highlight projects that we are excited about. This month, Nick Welch focuses on the benefits of Accessory Dwelling Units. This month, the City reached a milestone in our work to increase housing options in Seattle’s… [ Keep reading ]
The City of Seattle continues to seek public input on the environmental review of options to encourage the development of more in-law apartments and backyard cottages that would allow for more rental housing in the city’s single-family zones. The review evaluates a proposal advanced by Councilmember Mike O’Brien that aims… [ Keep reading ]
