Backyard cottages, which have been called mother-in-law units with more breathing room, could be a new housing option for Ballard. Currently, southeast Seattle is the only area allowed to have them, but in March of this year the Mayor proposed allowing backyard cottages throughout the entire city.
At Wednesday’s Ballard District Council meeting, Andrea Petzel with the City Department of Planning & Development presented the idea to the packed room. She explained that a lot will need to be at least 4,000 square feet and the main house and cottage cannot take up more than 35 percent of the lot. Cottages cannot be more than 800 square feet and must comply with the 5 foot setback rule. The cottage on the left is 800 square feet and cost almost $150,000 to construct.The cottage pictured on the right is 437 square feet and cost nearly $50,000 to build. Petzel says that if the Mayor’s plan passes, there will be a limit of 50 permits given each year to build cottages. There will be upcoming meetings to discuss the backyard cottage proposal. You can get on the mailing list and learn more about the idea here. Petzel says that the city council could vote as early as September.