DPD pulled two Tips related to interim parking lots and updated a Tip on backyard cottages and one on weed and vegetation. We released a draft Director’s Rule with edits to the RRIO checklist.
DPD Releases Backyard Cottage Annual Report
On May 12 at the City Council’s Committee on the Built Environment, DPD presented its report on backyard cottage development over the past 18 months. In November 2009, Council adopted legislation allowing backyard cottages on eligible lots in single-family zones throughout the city. Fifty-seven units have been permitted since.
Updated Backyard Cottage Guide Released
The Planning Commission and the Department of Planning and Development have released an updated version of their popular comprehensive A Guide to Building a Backyard Cottage which helps a homeowner successfully design and build a backyard cottage. The Guide now reflects the December 2009 legislation allowing backyard cottages citywide.
Your Seattle Planning Commission – 2010 and Beyond
The Seattle Planning Commission is comprised of 16 volunteers, all of whom are appointed by the Mayor or the City Council. The commission is an independent and objective body that advises the Mayor, City Council and City departments on “broad planning goals, policies and plans for…development of the city.” We are the stewards of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and are deeply involved in citywide and neighborhood planning activities.
Legalizing Backyard Cottages
The City of Seattle wants to remind homeowners of the grace period through June 30 for legalizing existing unauthorized backyard cottages. Under new regulations that went into effect December 4, 2009, backyard cottages became legal throughout Seattle. Previously, backyard cottages, also known as detached accessory dwelling units or DADUs, had been allowed only in southeast Seattle neighborhoods since 2006. Included in the December legislation is a grace period that allows owners of existing, unauthorized backyard cottages the opportunity to legalize their unit without penalty. Owners have until June 30, 2010 to apply for a building permit and until December 31, 2010 to obtain final inspection of the unit.
Legalizing Backyard Cottages
The City of Seattle wants to remind homeowners of the grace period through June 30 for legalizing existing unauthorized backyard cottages. Under new regulations that went into effect December 4, 2009, backyard cottages became legal throughout Seattle. Previously, backyard cottages, also known as detached accessory dwelling units or DADUs, had been allowed only in southeast Seattle neighborhoods since 2006. Included in the December legislation is a grace period that allows owners of existing, unauthorized backyard cottages the opportunity to legalize their unit without penalty. Owners have until June 30, 2010 to apply for a building permit and until December 31, 2010 to obtain final inspection of the unit.