Backyard Cottages

Photo courtesy of Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce

Backyard cottages (also called detached accessory dwelling units) have been allowed in Southeast Seattle since 2006, but are not approved in the rest of the city. Considered by the City to be "a small dwelling unit that is on the same lot as, but physically separate from, a single-family house." The rules state that, "the owner must live in either the primary home or the backyard cottage." Only 18 households have applied for a permit since March 2009.

Mayor Nickels has proposed legislation to allow backyard cottages city-wide with an annual limit of 50 cottages per year. Yesterday, August 12, there was a backyard cottage briefing to the Planning, Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee and there will be a Public Hearing on backyard cottages in Council Chambers at City Hall at 5:30 p.m. on September 15.

According to the City's Web page on the topic:

To ensure the cottages fit within the neighborhood, the lot must be at least 4,000 square feet in area, with minimum width and depth requirements. The principal house and backyard cottage combined must not exceed the current 35% lot coverage limit for single family zones. The cottages can be no more than 800 square feet in area, with a height limit of 15 - 23 foot height depending on lot width, and parking is required.

If this proposed change in legislation passes, Houseworks can build your cottage for you! Think about it: extra income, a place for friends and family to stay when they're visiting, a home for your parents when they need extra help, or just a backyard retreat for your family.