Backyard Cottage Parking

Backyard cottages (DADU's) require one parking space in addition to any other parking space requirements. For many Seattle lots providing an additional parking space may not be feasible. I spoke with a number of people at the PNA home fair that have sloping lots with existing bunker parking in the front setback. For them providing an additional parking space is not feasible. The question then is can the requirement be waived? The short answer is yes. There is an exception under SMC 23.44.041.5 "Director may waive the off-street parking space requirement for an accessory dwelling unit if: a. The topography or location of existing principal or accessory structures on the lot makes provision of an off-street parking space physically infeasible". The DPD reviewer acting on behalf of the director will make the determination of what qualifies for the waiver on a case by case basis. The challenge then is to get a firm ruling prior to preparing a full submittal. This is probably best done with a pre-submittal conference where these issues can be addressed and the answers can documented by DPD. In the case of the bunker garage and the sloping site the waiver will most likely be granted.