Seattle's Housing Choices

The Planning Commission has long advocated for increasing affordable housing and providing more housing choices, and supported a recent proposal to allow property owners in Southeast Seattle to build Backyard Cottages. The Commission is advising and assisting City officials in their efforts to develop a Technical Guide for those who wish to build a Backyard Cottage. The Technical Guide will be based on a similar guide produced by the city of Santa Cruz, California, and will include construction plans for multiple Backyard Cottage prototypes.

Publications and information available:

DPD Backyard Cottages Homepage

DPD Alternative Housing Choices Homepage

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)