Comments on: Council to allow backyard cottages citywide

By: SPG

SPG — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:58:27 +0000

…and yet you still choose to live here.

By: BTown

BTown — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:48:18 +0000

I guess if you are building above a garage it might work out… custom construction in Seattle is so cost prohibitive that any custom construction is a joke. You can buy a far better house in the Highlands then what it would cost to build a home in Seattle, pay soft-costs, and construction OHP. Save your money…

By: cdpenne

cdpenne — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:12:05 +0000

very useful info. I will come find you on Sunday.

By: boardbrown

boardbrown — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:51:37 +0000

Parking will be the biggest code hurdle for these cottages. The city will require an additional space ON SITE for each cottage. So those of you who don't have a driveway or garage will have to do some major site work. And for those who do have a garage, the cottage cannot displace your existing parking space.

By: johnarch5c

johnarch5c — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:56:26 +0000

The requirements are restrictive, and the city council worked hard to place checks and balances in the code to ensure we don't have another townhouse pandemic. Architecture 5¢ has started a website seattlebackyardcottages.net where we are available to answer any questions you may have. We will also be out at the Ballard Farmers Market this Sunday to answer any questions. We are currently working on a "Breaking the Code" section of our website that will clarify a lot of the code language for home owners

By: fred117

fred117 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:28:45 +0000

Attached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's) are still legal anywhere in the city as they have been for years. These DETACHED units are the new alternative. If your basement, for instance, meets the criteria (www.seattle.gov/DPD/Publications/CAM/cam116a.pdf) you can still convert that into a rentable unit.

By: Alysse Martyn

Alysse Martyn — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:12:27 +0000

I like this idea. But the cost of a completely separated building will be pretty high.