We published a final Director’s Rule on Small Efficiency Dwelling Units.
Superior Court Decision on Micro-Housing
In a project-specific Superior Court decision issued August 13, 2014, a judge ruled that individual bedrooms having private bathrooms and food preparation areas within them were configured for use as separate dwelling units, and must be regulated accordingly. In light of the court’s reasoning, the DPD has re-examined other similar projects currently under review. DPD has concluded that the individual rooms within any proposed development having an identical or substantially similar arrangement also must be regulated as separate dwelling units. Environmental (SEPA) and Design Review thresholds will be calculated based on the number of rooms so configured.
Superior Court Decision on Micro-Housing
In a project-specific Superior Court decision issued August 13, 2014, a judge ruled that individual bedrooms having private bathrooms and food preparation areas within them were configured for use as separate dwelling units, and must be regulated accordingly. In light of the court’s reasoning, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) has re-examined other similar projects currently under review. DPD has concluded that the individual rooms within any proposed development having an identical or substantially similar arrangement also must be regulated as separate dwelling units. Environmental (SEPA) and Design Review thresholds will be calculated based on the number of rooms so configured.
Proposed Permanent Micro-Housing Regulations
On September 2 the City Council introduced new legislation (Council Bill 118201) to clarify permanent regulation of micro-housing, congregate residences, and similar forms of development. The City Council’s proposal reflects input from three stakeholder working group meetings held during the summer of 2014. After the new regulations are voted on by Council, all future developments will have to meet the new rules.
Council to Review Proposed Micro-Housing Regulations
Mayor Ed Murray delivered proposed new regulations for micro-housing to the City Council in late March. The regulations would clarify how zoning rules apply to micro-housing and congregate residences. Regulations would also require design review of new projects. The City Council will review the proposed new rules, beginning with the first briefing of the Council’s Planning Land Use and Sustainability (PLUS) Committee, tentatively scheduled for April 18, 2014.
Micro-Housing: An Emerging Trend for Seattle
Micro-housing is emerging in Seattle and across America as an innovative form of housing that responds to today’s demographic shifts toward a high percentage of single-person households and a strong demand for living in urban neighborhoods with lots of services and amenities. In October of 2013, DPD proposed new regulations for micro-housing, and we are looking forward to working with the City Council to enact the new rules during the first quarter of this year.
New Regulations for Micro-Housing
We‘ve monitored micro housing and congregate residences in Seattle for over two years. We’ve evaluated our rules, and are now proposing changes that will ensure we have clear and consistent regulations in place. Our proposed legislation is based on our research and responds to concerns raised by the public and elected officials.
Micro Dwelling Units
DPD has monitored micro dwelling units in Seattle for about two years. We are now evaluating our rules to make sure we have, clear, and consistent regulations. Our evaluation is based on our research and on concerns raised by the public and elected officials.
