Northwest Cities that allow backyard cottages (detached ADUs)

A number of northwest cities have modified their zoning ordinances to allow detached ADUs. They appeal to families because they provide opportunities to grow or to provide rental income. They appeal to cities because they provide additional housing options and increase density. For a brief overview of some of the ordinances in Washington State check out this link to the City of Lynnwood.

Backyard Cottage Map

The City of Seattle has recently expanded the existing backyard cottage ordinance. The new ordinance allows backyard cottages in all Seattle neighborhoods on single family zoned lots that are at least 4,000 square feet. There are other specific requirements; contact us to find out if a backyard cottage will work on your lot.

To learn more about your lot click on the following link.

Backyard Cottage Map

Enter your address in the upper left hand corner

Zoom in to your lot

Right click on your lot and click the green more link

On the upper left hand corner under under base zone it will say if a detached accessory dwelling unit is allowed. No? Don't despair, you have gained some valuable information. We can help you determine what options are available to you.


info@microhousenw.com

Google adds bicycle map function

The much anticipated Google bicycle mapping function has now arrived. By now everyone should know that bicycling is a great carbon free method of getting around. It has now gotten easier, well not really easier, but at least least there is one new application to encourage get people out of their cars. Check out a bike map of your commute today.  In the last year microhouse staff have completed 2,550 miles of carbon free commuting by walking or biking to work.

new google bicycle map read more

How Do I Finance My Backyard Cottage (DADU)?

What is the best way to finance a backyard cottage? Here is advice from Joseph Lancaster at Verity Credit Union.

Construction loans are very hard to come by these days so the easiest option for someone looking to finance a cottage is to get a home equity loan (aka second mortgage) on their current residence.  At Verity Credit Union, we currently pay the closing cost for all home equity loans (not including appraisals if deemed necessary) and have very competitive rates. 

HELOC’s (Home Equity Line Of Credit) are great options for people building cottages because they work like credit cards: you have a credit limit (say $100,000) and a balance that your payment is based on (minimum payment is interest only). Our HELOC’s range from 5.5% to 6.5% APR depending on the Combined Loan to Value ratio (CLTV) of the home.  Apply soon, as Verity currently has an Intro Rate Special on HELOC’s: 4.49% APR through June 30, 2010 (reverts to qualified rate on July 1, 2010). 

We also have two fixed rate home equity loan products: a 15 year fixed loan and a 30/15 fixed loan, which is amortized over 30 years to keep the payment down, with a balloon payment due after 15 years.  These fixed rate products start at 6.24% APR and with 3 possible discounts of 25 basis points each your rate could be as low as 5.49% APR.  The rates of our fixed rate products are based on CLTV and credit score and have no annual fee. 

For more information please contact me, Joe Lancaster, at 206-315-6718 or JosephL@veritycu.com.  

Backyard Cottage Map

Our friend and cartographer Paul Greatorex put together this map of the greenlake area showing the lots meeting the minimum requirements for zoning, area, width and lot coverage required to qualify for a backyard cottage. It is interesting to see how many lots meet the basic requirements. There are other requirements that must be met as well most notably providing an additional parking space for the new cottage.  If you would like a jpeg image of this map or to find out if your lot qualifies for a backyard cottage contact us at info@microhousenw.com. 

Microhouse Urban Module Starts Construction

Construction starts today on four microhouse 1,200 sf duplex modules at 113 13th Ave E on capitol hill. The L3 zoning of the lot allows for greater density, size and  height than backyard cottages which are allowed only single family residential zones. Parking will be located in a garage under the duplex units. The entire project will consist of 10 units arranged around a courtyard. 

Can I convert my garage to a backyard cottage (DADU)?

For a single family lot in a single family zone in Seattle an existing detached accessory structure may be converted to an accessory dwelling unit (DADU) if it meets certain requirements outlined in the Seattle Municipal Code. One of these requirements is meeting minimum side and rear yard setbacks 5 ft (DADUs are not allowed in required front setbacks). Most detached garages are built on or within 5 ft of the side property line. At the discretion of the director  these to be converted to backyard cottages if the accessory structure was constructed legally prior to June 1, 1999 and the conversion does not increase its non-conformity.