A new
kind of housing can be built in Puyallup under temporary rules recently
approved by the City Council. The
demonstration ordinance, which has drawn debate at council sessions in recent
months, allows up to three cottage housing projects over the next three years.
“It’s my belief that our community needs some
alternative housing,” said Councilman Kent Boyle, who supported the ordinance. Some in attendance expressed concerns that
cottage housing would result in an in appropriate amount of density, allowing
developers to cram too many houses on a single lot. However, other
municipalities including Seattle have experimented with demonstration programs
that have resulted in some great projects.
Because the size and scale of cottage housing developments are often
strictly limited, the developments
seldom feel too crowded. Furthermore, because they are grouped around common
landscaped areas they often appear more open than the surrounding single family
homes. There are many fine examples of
cottage housing scattered around the region.
These historic
cottages on 16th Ave in Seattle are 550 square feet and have one
bedroom and one bath. These 10 cottages
share a double city lot and fit seamlessly into a neighborhood of other single
family homes. In this case they have
only a small common area yet they still feel welcoming. They were built for and still provide a great
option for young professionals who want to be close to work, don’t need to much
space, and don’t want to live in a sterile apartment building surrounded by
parking.
Cottage
housing can be adapted to meet the needs of specific groups. Seniors have different needs than young
professionals or families with children.
Cottage housing can be built around amenities that suit the needs of
seniors and allow them to share some expenses while still maintaining
independence. Charles Emlet, who’s on the city’s Aging in Place committee, told
the council that cottage homes are a good option for older citizens. “Personally,
I like the idea of cottage housing. My wife and I have talked about (one day)
buying into such a community,” Emlet told a reporter before the meeting. “I
like the idea of being connected to your neighbors.” Many active seniors like having an opportunity
to socialize and garden outside. New
cottages can also incorporate accessibility features that make it easier for
seniors to live independently without the maintenance required for owning larger
home .
