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.
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: 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...
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...
How to Crush a Housing Project The Seattle Way
One saga demonstrates the difficulties developers face in getting infill projects permitted, even after reforms meant to encourage them.
The City of Seattle permitting process...
Legislature Passes Sound Transit Enhanced Funding Bill, but Fails to Lift Backyard Cottage Ban
Another set of bills died Friday as another legislative cutoff passed, but a bill boosting Sound Transit funding options was not among them. Senate...
PSRC Housing Strategy Seeks to Galvanize Region to Action
In July, the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) released their draft three-pronged Regional Housing Strategy (RHS). The strategy is to be a collection of...
Governor Partially Vetoes Backyard Cottage Bill at Request of Housing Advocates, AARP
Providing more housing options in single-family zones is a policy idea that state legislators have kicked around for years. This session, the Washington State...