just like that, seattle eliminates single family zoning

 

A DADU nearing completion in Seattle's Ravenna Neighborhood

With the stroke of a pen Seattle has eliminated all single family zoning. While now that Seattle allows an ADU, DADU and SFR on the same lot it might in single family zones seem that this has already happened. However, unlike the zoning changes that went into effect in 2019, this new change is mostly symbolic.  Land use zones that had been designated as single family will now be called neighborhood residential. The change is a broad reflection of the City of Seattle's interest in increasing the types and diversity of housing types within their residential neighborhoods.

Seattle’s Land Use Code and the official zoning maps divide the city geographically into zoning districts (e.g., single-family residential, multifamily residential, commercial, industrial, etc.). Ordinance 126509 which went into effect on June 13th, applies the new zone name by dividing the neighborhood residential areas into four zones, based on pre-existing minimum required lot sizes:

Existing Zone (Abbreviation)	New Zone (Abbreviation)
Single-family Residential 9600 (SF 9600)	Neighborhood Residential 1 (NR1)
Single-family Residential 7200 (SF 7200)	Neighborhood Residential 2 (NR2)
Single-family Residential 5000 (SF 5000)	Neighborhood Residential 3 (NR3)
Residential Small Lot (RSL)	Neighborhood Residential Small Lot (RSL)

biggest DADU trends in 2022 - DADU's sold as condos

Most existing lots with a DADU are too small to be sub-divided under Seattle's land-use code.  However, while the city of Seattle may restrict ownership of that lot to one entity if that entity is a condo association, the DADU and the primary residence can be owned separately and sold separately.  It is in the words of one developer a "game changer" in residential development allowing up to three separate units on a single family zoned lot.   

Attorney Terrance Wilson and UW Real Estate instructor Jeff McCann discuss the topic of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs & DADUs) in the latest episode of Real Leaders in Real Estate.  With his wealth of knowledge of the City's code, Terrance describes how the condo process can be overlayed, and an owner (or investor) can tap into this opportunity to sell off parts of their property to increase equity or profits. 

 

https://youtu.be/5TXLk13thW4 .

what is a DADU worth?

 The first questions we often answer for people are what can I build and how much does it cost?  A reciprocal question being asked by homeowners and developers is what is a DADU worth?

A new DADU recently sold as a condominium

This DADU features 2 Bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths and 1,000 sq. ft. plus.  This DADU is currently sold for $931,000.

Some recent DADU sales in Seattle

DADU fall open houses

The first questions we often answer for people are what can I build and how much does it cost?  A reciprocal question being asked by homeowners and developers is what is a DADU worth?

A recently completed DADU being sold as a condominium.

Join us for a unique opportunity to view one of a new a cohort of DADU’s being built for sale as condominiums in Seattle. The first DADU features 2 Bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths and 1,000 sq. ft. plus. This DADU is currently on the market for sale. The list price is $849,000.

Address: 8316 30th Ave NW, Seattle, WA (Monday November 1st from 5-7:00pm)

We will have another DADU open house on in Magnolia. This DADU features 1 bedroom/1 bath with the main living space on the 2nd floor and a flex space and garage on the ground floor. The DADU is adjacent to the alley.

Address 3245 27th Ave W, Seattle, WA (Sunday November 7th from noon to 2:00pm)

It is possible to view both DADUs discreetly from the street. Please be respectful of the privacy of the owners.

Thinking about the long-term use of a home and designing for flexibility is an important part of preparing for an uncertain future. DADUs allow people more flexibility to accommodate a growing family, changing work requirements, and to provide supplemental rental income. DADUs also provide valuable small housing stock in desirable neighborhoods.

Do you want to learn more about DADUs and meet others (virtually) planning to build a DADU? Join Bruce Parker from Microhouse and Stefan Hansmire from Hansmire Builders to learn about what is possible in this unique webinar sponsored by the Phinney Neighborhood Center. In this workshop we will answer questions for people planning to build a backyard cottage, including explanations of what is possible given the new zoning rules. We will also discuss budget ranges for recently completed DADUs and financing options along with case studies.

Thinking about the long-term use of a home and designing for flexibility is an important part of preparing for an uncertain future. DADUs allow people more flexibility to accommodate a growing family, changing work requirements, and to provide supplemental rental income. DADUs also provide valuable small housing stock in desirable neighborhoods.

Register:  Register

Date: Thursday July 15th

Time: 7:00 pm

Cost: $20 Suggested donation to the PNA

Location: Online

DADU open house July 11th (2-5 pm)

 

Join us a we resume DADU tours.  The 1st cottage we are hosting is a recently completed  2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath on Capitol Hill.  The owner's built this DADU as part of a family compound. Their next adventure is a complete remodel of the main house to add an additional floor and an ADU. In the near term the DADU will be rented out and the owner's are accepting applications. 

What: DADU open house

When: Sunday, July 11th (2-5 pm)

Where: 2419 E Aloha St

The new DADU is located behind the main house and entered via a temporary walkway on the right side of the house. Bring a mask. The DADU is small and the number of people inside will be limited.

upcoming DADU worshops and tours

 As life regains some semblance of normalcy we can again look forward to hosting DADU workshops and tours this summer.  Our next DADU open house will is tentatively scheduled for July 11th.  Our next virtual DADU workshop will be July 15th. We will be announcing details as we move closer to those dates. Contact us through our contact widgit if you would like to be included in our invite list.

This Ravenna DADU is providing room for home schooling and an office