A recent ruling by the City Hearing Examiner is a setback—but not necessarily a permanent one—for the city's efforts to loosen regulations on accessory dwelling units.
"City Hearing examiner Sue Tanner sided with the Queen Anne Community Council in a seemingly obscure, but potentially epic ruling issued Tuesday [pdf]," reports Josh Feit.
The ruling requires the city to conduct an environmental impact statement (EIS) on proposed legislation that would "loosen requirements that are currently limiting the production of mother-in-law apartments and backyard cottages, known as ADUs (accessory dwelling units) and DADUS (detached accessory dwelling units), respectively," explains Feit.
According to Feit, the ruling should come as a wakeup call for politicians, developers, and advocates who support new land use regulations that would enable additional density in parts of the city. In the Queen Anne neighborhood, the sense is that the city is being "too cavalier" with the push to add density, but advocates should expect that "[s]ingle-family neighborhoods are going to fight change every step of the way."
The article includes a lot more detail on the specifics of the Seattle and Queen Anne case study, as well as the role of accessory dwelling units in the agenda of many pro-development and affordable housing advocates.
FULL STORY: Ruling Puts Hold on Adding Density to Single-Family Neighborhoods
The 'Most Pro-Housing Reform in U.S. History' Expected for Approval Today in Portland
The Portland Residential Infill Project is expected for approval by the Portland City Council today, culminating a six year process that became more and more ambitious with every iteration.
Environmental Impact Study Builds the Case for Accessory Dwelling Units in Seattle
Proponents of a new Accessory Dwelling Unit rule in Seattle say the tactics of opponents backfired with this Environmental Impact Study.
Court Ruling Deals Blows to Granny Flat Permits in Los Angeles
Granny flats, also known as mother-in-law units or accessory dwelling units, are a hot button item in most cities. A county court recently took the city of Los Angeles' finger off the button, so to speak.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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.
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.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service