Fire Marshals Target Backyard Cottages with Proposal for Wider Pathway Requirements
The Washington Association of Fire Marshals is proposing changes to Washington state building code that would require five-foot wide access path to accessory dwelling units, but builders paint the requirement as overkill, adding another obstacle to housing development.
Seattle Eases Accessory Dwelling Restrictions Just Ahead of State Deadline
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) just got a bit easier to build in Seattle, as legislation passed in May went into effect yesterday. The reform will help Seattle meet state mandates to make ADUs easier to built. Ultimately, wider middle housing reforms planned in the coming months may prove more attractive to builders.
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.
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.
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...