We Can Help Legalize Your Backyard Cottage

Do you need help legalizing an existing backyard cottage built without a permit? We helped Lars and Denise to legalize their cottage originally built as a one room schoolhouse in the 1960's.  It was converted to a cottage sometime after that. Lars and Denise have made numerous upgrades to the building to create a nice rental unit. As a result, the work required to permit their cottage was fairly minimal.

In general, legalizing, or establishing use of an existing cottage, requires bringing the cottage up to current building codes. This may include ventilation, electrical, energy and seismic upgrades.  For many older cottages the condition of the foundation may be of primary concern. The current building code has minimum requirements for concrete foundations and the building mudsill must be bolted to the foundation. Cottages originally built as garages may not have adequate foundations.  Meeting the current energy code may also require upgrades. For Lars and Denise this meant adding insulation to the cottage ceiling and perimeter of the foundation.  They also had to add a fan in the kitchen.

Why legalize your backyard cottage?  Municipalities that have revised their zoning codes are offering a carrot to homeowners. The stick is that they are cracking down on illegal cottages. In Seattle landlords will be required to register their rental units and be subjected to mandatory inspections beginning October 1st, 2011. Seattle also levies a minimum $5,000 fine for dwelling units established without a permit with additional daily penalties.

If you have a cottage that was inhabited as as residence prior to 1956 you may be eligible to establish you cottage as a stand alone residence without meeting current building codes. Contact us to find out more.

microhouse at seattle green festival

Microhouse will make a virtual appearance at the Seattle Green Festival June 5th and 6th. We try to keep a low overhead here so we won't be an exhibitor, but you can check out the Smart Module plans at the Method Homes booth and learn more about prefab construction. You can also check out the great sustainable materials and finishes that populate our designs at the Ecohaus booth.  If that leaves you wanting more contact us.

backyard cottage design challenge award

The microhouse smart module wins big at the backyard cottage design challenge award event.  The event was cosponsored by the City of Seattle to raise awareness of backyard cottages and promote design excellence. 


What is the smart module? The microhouse smart module is a prefab unit that contains the all basic elements of a contemporary home.  Grouping the environmental systems, plumbing, cooking and sleeping in a small prefab unit reduces construction cost and maximizes space for work and play. It’s small footprint is ideal for infill lots, environmentally critical areas, and everywhere else. The smart module can be attached to existing accessory structures such as free standing garages to create a backyard cottage.The smart module can also be combined with new prefab units, on site construction, or serve as a stand alone cabin with room to grow. 


function: kitchen, bath, sleeping loft, and mechanical room.
uses: add module to existing or new construction or use as a stand alone cabin.
dimensions: 8 ft. x 16 ft. x 13 ft. tall  = 128 sq. ft.
construction: prefab, stick built or sip panel.

Legalize It

Included in the backyard cottage legislation is a “grace period” that allows owners of existing, unauthorized backyard cottages the opportunity to legalize their unit without penalty. Owners have until June 30, 2010 to apply for a building permit and until December 31, 2010 to obtain final inspection of the unit. The friendly folks at DPD would like to remind you that owning an unauthorized backyard cottage you may be subject to fines. Not to worry though, we can help you legalize your existing unit but time is quickly running out.

backyard cottage design competition

We are currently developing a 128 sq. ft. prefab smart module that will contain all the basic living functions, kitchen, bath, sleeping loft, and mechanical room. The smart module can be a stand alone cabin or be "plugged into" an existing or new structure. The smart module will be unveiled on May 24 th at the Backyard Cottage Design Challenge Awards Event backyard cottage awards.  The event will feature prefab cottage designs by 35 area designers. 

microhouse net-zero

Microhouse has begun work on a net-zero house design with Puget Sound Solar. We plan to unveil the new design in May. Join us as we work on a small house with a truly small footprint

ecohaus sustainable materials and finishes

Microhouse announces a partnership with ecohaus one of the top sources of sustainable building materials and green building information. Microhouse plans now feature a standard specification of ecohaus materials, including  flooring, cabinets, countertops, and paints and finishes.   Now you can bundle your favorite green products under one roof and receive a discount on design and materials.  This is a great option both for those who want an all inclusive design package and those who want to be able to pick and choose individual items. Contact us for more information about pricing and selection.


Congratulations on the opening of the new ecohaus retail outlet in San Francisco. Click here or more information  about ecohaus.