Councilmember O’Brien to Develop Regulations to Encourage More Backyard Cottages, Meeting Tomorrow

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Councilmember O’Brien to Develop Regulations to Encourage More Backyard Cottages, Meeting Tomorrow

SeattleCouncilmember Mike O’Brien will host a special lunchtime meeting tomorrow, as he explores ways to make it easier for more homeowners to build backyard cottages and mother-in-law units. Councilmembers will review a report, “Removing Barriers to Backyard Cottages,” and hear testimony from homeowners who have faced challenges when constructing the new units.

The meeting is a first step toward developing new policies to encourage more backyard cottages, which could produce thousands of new housing units.  In January, two public meetings will be held to solicit feedback on potential legislative changes.

Backyard cottages, also called detached accessory dwelling units, are separate living spaces on the same property as an existing single-family house. Council adopted legislation in 2009 allowing construction of backyard cottages on eligible lots in single-family zones throughout the City.  Fewer than 200 have been constructed to date.

WHAT:  
Backyard Cottage Discussion at the Council’s Planning, Land Use & Sustainability Committee

WHEN:
Wednesday, December 9
12 p.m.

WHERE:
Seattle City Hall
Council Chambers, Second Floor
600 4th Ave., Seattle 98104

WHO:
Backyard Cottage owners
Nick Welch, Seattle Department of Planning and Development
Councilmember Mike O’Brien
Council President Tim Burgess
Councilmember Nick Licata

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Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21, HD Channels 321 Comcast, 721 Wave and on the City Council’s website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.