ADU Reform Moves Forward in Seattle

A sweeping reform of Seattle's current accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules is currently underway. Proposed legislation sets the stage for an ADU boom to potentially match Vancouver and Portland.

1 minute read

June 11, 2019, 11:00 AM PDT

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


Accessory Dwelling Unit

Nicolás Boullosa / Flickr

Legislation to reform the city's ADU rules is making its way through Seattle City Council. "The proposed legislation heard in committee addresses eight key policy areas for attached and detached accessory dwelling units [...], ranging from unit size and parking requirements to owner-occupancy requirements and height limits," Stephen Fesler writes. "If reform is made, the legislation could help spur a new cottage industry in accessory dwelling unit (ADU) building."

Fesler discusses a number of rule changes in the proposed ordinancesubject to amendmentincluding the following:

  • Increased number of unrelated persons allowed per lot
  • Larger allowed ADU size
  • Higher ADU height limits
  • ADUs may be allowed to cover a larger percentage of lot area
  • Elimination of off-street parking requirements for new ADUs
  • Removal of owner occupancy requirements
  • New floor-area ratio (FAR) limits to combat mansionization

Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in The Urbanist

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog