Image Courtesy of Dwell Development
Live within Seattle City Limits? Want to do something for yourself, your family, your community, the environment? Backyard Cottages are here. Basically they are small structures, 800 Square Feet and less that are built as detached accessory dwelling units to an existing home. Typical designs could include such features as bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, a workspace, or whatever you’re particular needs dictate.
On November 2nd the Seattle City Council unanimously approved code revisions that will allow for backyard cottages city wide. Since 2006 permitted construction was allowed only in Southeast Seattle, but with the recent vote, any homeowner whose lot meets zoning and various other requirements will be allowed to build one on their property.
The requirements are basically spelled out to allow backyard cottages to be constructed on city lots that are 4,000 square feet and larger. The 800 square foot maximum for a backyard cottage would include garages and any storage space. The property owners must live in either the primary home or backyard cottage for at least six months out of the year, and total lot coverage for all structures on the property may not exceed 35%. The height requirement for most backyard cottages would be 22 feet. If the lot is more than 50-feet wide, or 40-feet wide and adjacent to an alley the height could be 23 feet tall. These are just the general guidelines, for more information go you can visit the Seattle DPD.
This is an exciting development for anyone who is looking for creative ways to add value to their home. They are an ideal place to care for aging parents, to provide a place for children returning home to have a separate space, or to simply have a bit more space for your “stuff”.
Backyard Cottages are also a great opportunity for individuals to take on manageable green building projects that can be truly affordable. These are small spaces that can easily be built to the highest levels of efficiency with materials that are durable, healthy, and sustainable. For those that would like to reduce by reuse this can be a great chance to try your hand at the use of recycled building materials.
For many local architects whose designs are placing more and more emphasis on human experience, efficiency, community, and the environment this is great news. Designs can be adapted to existing structures in such a way as to avoid disrupting the personality of a neighborhood. They fit with the scale of existing structures, adding depth and not confinement. Because these are relatively small projects and you want to make the most of your space, utilizing the services of an architect is recommended. You will be amazed at what you can do with 800 square feet.
Backyard cottages are an excellent way to invest in your property and to potentially offer affordable housing for singles and couples at the same time. They are a way to add density to our urban neighborhoods without the need for additional infrastructure. We sincerely hope they will become a popular option for Seattle’s homeowners.
In the coming weeks and months we will be talking a great deal about Backyard Cottages. We would like to help introduce you to the possibilities that exist and to help connect you with the right people to help with design and construction. This is a chance for homeowners to take a journey into the world of green building by adding density, providing affordable housing, reducing suburban sprawl, and benefiting the community. They will challenge your architectural wit, give you some breathing room, and add value to your home. If you have questions about how to get started please let us know. We would be happy to spend some time getting you off on the right foot.
Filed under: Seattle Green Building | Tagged: Architecture + Home Design, Backyard Cottages, Design + Build, Dwell Development, Green Building, Local Communities, Seattle Green Building
