Several apodments have been planned for Ballard, causing a stir with neighbors who worry about the influx of new residents with little to no new parking available. The city’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is now attempting to address this issue, proposing to amend the Land Use Code to, “establish a definition for micro-housing, apply design review thresholds to micro-housing and congregate residences, and modify certain development standards including:
- require common spaces in micro-housing and congregate residences;
- clarify prohibition of micro-housing in single family zones;
- provide for vehicle and bicycle parking for micro-housing and congregate residences; and
- modify income eligibility requirements for incentive programs related to micro-housing, congregate residences, and very small studio apartments.”
Apodment plans in Ballard include a property on NW 58th St, where a 1909 home was recently demolished to make way for construction. A resident on that block, Linda Melvin, told KOMO News, “I believe in urban density but this is too much for our small neighborhood. I draw the line.”
DPD is accepting comments on the amendments through Oct. 21. To comment, email Geoffrey Wentlandt (Geoffrey.Wentlandt@Seattle.gov) or Bill Mills (William.Mills@Seattle.gov) or mail comments to City of Seattle, DPD, Attn: Geoffrey Wentlandt/Bill Mills, PO Box 34019, Seattle WA 98124-4019. To learn more about the city’s codes for apodment construction, click here.
