 Affordable Housing
Affordable Housing Action Agenda
The Commission released an Affordable Housing Action Agenda that includes background information on affordable housing in the region and nine key strategies for increasing the amount of affordable housing in Seattle.
Download the report here.
The Commission also released an addendum to the Action Agenda summarizing stakeholders' comments on the report. Download the addendum here.
Backyard Cottages
Backyard Cottage Guide Released!
 The Planning Commission and DPD have released "A Guide to Building a Backyard Cottage" to help a homeowner successfully design and build a backyard cottage. Subjects in the guide include site planning, designing for privacy, green design ideas, as well as sample designs and construction and permitting information. Download the Guide here.
For more information about backyard cottages with pictures and examples click here.
Here are additional recommendations of the Planning Commission's on this effort:
Commission recommendations for a replacement Office of Housing Director
In recent years, the Commission has focused on the imperative need to create more affordable housing and has been working diligently to implement the action plan outlined in its 2007 Affordable Housing Action Agenda. Find the Planning Commission’s recommendations about hiring a new Director for the Office of Housing here.
Commission urges City Council to support Backyard Cottage legislation
Backyard Cottages generally provide lower cost rental housing options, an opportunity for homeowners to offset the cost of their homeownership, and housing for extended family members. The Commission has been on record urging the City to move forward with legislation to permit Backyard Cottages in single family zones throughout the entire city since 2003. To view comments please click here.
Commission urges preserving the maximum height and unit size and suggests solutions for addressing privacy, design and how to be a good neighbor
On October 6, 2009 the Commission sent follow up comments to City Council about how to best consider balancing the development standards to ensure that backyard cottages remain a truly feasible option for anyone other than a single person household. The commission also suggests solutions for addressing privacy, design and how to be a good neighbor. To view comments, click here.
Commission supports proposed legislation allowing detached accessory dwelling units in southeast Seattle (PDF)
Full Report (PDF)
Executive Summary of Full Report (PDF)
Video of Planning Commission's 8/4 briefing to City Council
Commission supports proposed legislation allowing detached accessory dwelling units in southeast Seattle -
(PDF)
DPD Backyard Cottages Homepage
Incentive Zoning
Commission White Paper provides Recommendations On Incentive Zoning
 On February 27, 2007, the Commission released its report which gives recommendations on how Seattle should use incentive zoning programs to meet predicted housing and job growth targets while contributing to livability and sustainability. Incentive Zoning Report (PDF)
Seattle Housing Levy Renewal
Planning Commission recommendations to City Council for their proposal to renew the housing levy
Multifamily Tax Exemption Program
 Renew and adjust Multifamily Tax Exemption Program - January 20, 2011 recommendations on the renewal of the successful Multifamily Tax Exemption program. The program has proven successful over the years in meeting housing goals and providing equitable housing throughout the City.
2007 Commission comments recommendations on proposed changes to the Multifamily Tax Exemption.
Multifamily Housing Code Rewrite
 The Planning Commission has been working with the City since 2005 on their important efforts to update the Multifamily Housing code. Click here to read the Planning Commission's recommendations on this effort.
DPD Alternative Housing Choices Homepage
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