Image description: a sketch of a Link light rail train at an elevated station with text reading: Move Redmond 12:00 to 4PM May 10th Redmond 2 Line Opening Celebration - trails 2 transit presented by Sound Transit at Downtown Redmond Station..

HALA

A small cottage with its doors open, revealing living room, behind a larger parent house

Snohomish County Relaxes Urban Accessory Dwelling Rules Ahead of State Deadlines

The Snohomish County Council has further liberalized accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations in urban unincorporated areas, building on reforms enacted in 2021. Spurred by state reforms, the County will be allowing more bulk flexibility and ending common ownership requirements for ADUs, and allowing two ADUs of any type per lot.
In the foreground are OPCD planners and in the background are city councilmembers at the dais.

Moore Leads Housing Backlash in Seattle Council’s First Comprehensive Plan Meeting

As the Seattle City Council took its first look at Mayor Bruce Harrell's One Seattle Comprehensive Plan on Monday, Cathy Moore delivered a slow-growth manifesto, tinged with derision for renters, who she portrayed an unengaged and a detriment to neighborhoods.

Harrell Proposal Would Relax Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules, Implement State Law

Mayor Harrell unveiled legislation allowing larger ADUs and streamlining regulations to make them feasible on more lots. The proposal would implement a state requirement and offer some additional reforms beyond that baseline.
Aerial view of houses near Lake Washington at sunset.

Op-Ed: The Case for Accessory Dwelling Units

Accessory dwelling units like backyard cottages and basement apartments support sustainable development plans as they typically require fewer resources during construction, are energy-efficient, and minimize urban sprawl. They are one effective way to add density to single family areas.

Op-Ed: Seattle Council Is Trying to Make Housing More Expensive

Tell your councilmember to vote against the transportation impact fee. On Tuesday, amidst a deep housing affordability crisis, the outgoing Seattle City Council is setting...

Op-Ed: Excessive Water Hook-up Fees Stunt Seattle’s ADU Building Boom

Seattle Public Utilities is using “No Tap” water mains to extort homebuilders for system upgrades. The gauntlet created by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) for access...

Lawsuits Block Thousands of Downtown Seattle Homes, $39 Million for Affordable Housing

Called “Run-of-the-Mill NIMBY” in Court, Delays Mount As Existing Condos Sue for Views. Using lawsuits and an aggressive opposition campaign in Seattle’s design review process, a small...
a path between two townhouses with evergreen trees

Bellevue Initiates Middle Housing Planning, but State May Beat Them to It

With a unanimous vote to conclude Tuesday's meeting, Bellevue City Council initiated planning work that would allow middle housing -- such as accessory dwelling...