They're a good start. But compared to similar policies in cities like Portland and Vancouver, Seattle's new policies around accessory dwelling units may be lackluster.
Earlier this month, Natalie Bicknell writes, Seattle released an environmental impact statement proposing the removal of code barriers to the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and detached dwelling units (DADUs). "The EIS also proposed size restrictions on construction of new single-family homes. Taken together, the two measures are intended to increase and preserve affordable housing stock throughout the city."
While the measure improves on the city's current policies, Bicknell says it does not favorably compare "to Portland's Residential Infill Project, or the more liberal ADU policies of Vancouver." She cites Dan Bertolet's point-by-point rundown of the Seattle plan's strengths and weaknesses, which include a wild card: a so-called "McMansion ban" on new homes that occupy too much of their lots.
Under the new rules, "new homes could be constructed at a maximum of 2,500 square feet or a floor-area ratio of 0.5, or no more the half the square footage of the lot. Considering that in 2018 the average size of a new single-family home in US is 2,641 square feet, with many new homes exceeding that size, the restriction does represent an improvement."
Portland's size restrictions went further, however, also legalizing housing types like duplexes and corner lot duplexes. In other words, missing middle housing.
See also: Portland Makes ADU Incentives Permanent
FULL STORY: Seattle’s Backyard Cottage Plan Falls Short
The 'Most Pro-Housing Reform in U.S. History' Expected for Approval Today in Portland
The Portland Residential Infill Project is expected for approval by the Portland City Council today, culminating a six year process that became more and more ambitious with every iteration.
ADU Reform Moves Forward in Seattle
A sweeping reform of Seattle's current accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules is currently underway. Proposed legislation sets the stage for an ADU boom to potentially match Vancouver and Portland.
San Diego Votes to Rein in “Towering” ADUs
City council voted to limit the number of units in accessory buildings to six — after confronting backyard developments of up to 100 units behind a single family home.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie