backyard cottages spotlight on Spokane Washington

Spokane like many cities has developed a comprehensive plan to develop strategies and policies to sustain and enhance those attributes that currently make it a desirable place to live. 

The City identified accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as one viable strategy to help meet the dual goals of increasing housing options and density while maintaining and enhancing the quality of the community.  

An abreviated summary of requirements for a backyard cottages in the City of Spokane are as follows. Contact for more specific information:

Allowable Lots: RA, RSF, RTF, RMF and RHD zones if the lot is 10,000 square feet and larger.  If the lot is located on an alley the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq. ft.

Size:              600 sq. ft.  maximum.
Style:              to match primary residence
Parking:         1 additional space.
Occupancy:   owner occupancy required in one of the two units.

space saving ideas for tiny houses

Under Eave Closet - by Bruce Parker

An under eave closet is a great space saving idea for small houses.  This closet utilizes the otherwise wasted space located under the eaves and livens up the room. In many small houses the roof rafters rest directly on the top plate of the first floor simplifying construction and lowering costs. The trade off  is partial height under eave space. The closet illustrates one way this space can be utilized. Nooks for beds are another popular use for under eave space.