This Tuesday, January 26th, from 5-7 p.m. at City Hall Mayor Murray and department directors will launch their conversation on the implementation of HALA (Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda).
The HALA Report, which consists of 65 recommendations made by a 28 member committee, identified ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) and DADUs (Detached Accessory Dwelling Units) as a way to create more housing in single-family areas in Seattle. Last Tuesday, January 19th at the Filipino Community Center, about 100 people gathered to hear former Planning, Land Use, and Zoning Committee Chair Councilmember Mike O’Brien and Nick Welch from the Office of Planning and Community Development discuss policy changes that would encourage more homeowners to construct ADUs and DADUs. (District 4’s Rob Johnson is the current Planning, Land Use, and Zoning Committee Chair Councilmember.)
According to Mr. Welch, the City of Seattle currently has just over 1000 permitted ADUs and 220 permitted DADUs. There were 6 policy changes on which attendees were asked to comment and vote. Based on public comments and the votes on the 6 poster boards, the majority of people at the Filipino Community Center last week were in favor of all of the changes below.
1)Should we remove the off street parking requirement?
2) Should we allow an ADU and a DADU on the same lot?
3)Should we remove the owner-occupancy requirement?
4) Should we modify development standards for backyard cottages?
5) Should we increase the height limit for certain lots?
6) Should we modify the rear yard coverage limit?
The next ADU/DADU meeting is Wednesday February 3rd at Wallingford Senior Center 4649 Sunnyside Avenue North from 6-7:30 p.m. You will get to vote on which, if any, of these recommendations should be implemented.
While the HALA recommendations are being rolled out, the City is also considering expanding Urban Village boundaries for the new 2035 Comprehensive Plan. You can also educate yourself on how the two plans overlap on the City’s website and this timeline.