Posts tagged seattle land use code
Making Seattle Backyard Cottages More Accessible Aia Pre-Approved Plans
Cedar Cottage, originally designed for the Phelan family

Cedar Cottage, originally designed for the Phelan family

Recently, Seattle put out a call for lower-cost designs to be ‘pre-approved’ for building permits. One of the biggest challenges for backyard cottages is the uncertainty and permitting difficulty for many people who may never have taken on a big project like this before. CAST answered the call, putting together four designs ranging in size and features, derived from our long experience with the backyard cottage market. Here is a preview of the four models, each has its own special hook—sloped lots, accessibility, expandability, or super small size:

Cloud Cottage, 481 sf footprint, multiple configurations from studio, or 2 story version with studio over garage, 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom.

Cloud Cottage, 481 sf footprint, multiple configurations from studio, or 2 story version with studio over garage, 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom.

Kestrel Cottage—one or optional two bedroom (not shown here), all on one level for accessibility and aging in place.

Kestrel Cottage—one or optional two bedroom (not shown here), all on one level for accessibility and aging in place.

Crow’s Nest, original design for Matt and Amy Stevenson, adapted for Seattle’s Pre-Approved Cottage program

Crow’s Nest, original design for Matt and Amy Stevenson, adapted for Seattle’s Pre-Approved Cottage program

Over the next month, regardless of what this City does, CAST will be developing some or all of these designs and making them available for purchase with an agreement to use CAST for the site specific engineering, permitting and zoning work. If you are interested in finding out more, contact Matt@CASTarchitecture.com.

BACKYARD COTTAGE QUICKSTART GUIDE, UPDATED FOR 2019

Now that the new legislation is in place, it is time to upload an updated Quickstart Guide for 2019. Keep in mind that we couldn’t get too deep into the weeds here, so if you have questions, please contact us and we can walk you through the changes in more detail.

Link to PDF

BACKYARD COTTAGE QUICK START_AUG19 V3 Page 001.jpg
BACKYARD COTTAGE QUICK START_AUG19 V3 Page 002.jpg
Envisioning Seattle's Residential Small Lot Zoning Future: Jan 30th, 6-7:30pm, Columbia Branch Library
Duplex View 2 Curved Rendering.jpg

Seattle is going to change thousands of residential lots from ‘Single Family’ to ‘Residential Small Lot’ (RSL) as part of the MHA zoning reform. The rules covering RSL have been totally rewritten and there are many questions about how it will affect our neighborhoods such as Columbia City and Rainier Beach.

First, what is RSL and what kinds of new development are we likely to see?

Second, how does RSL address displacement, affordability, density or sustainability?

Finally, how can we improve RSL so that it can be the most effective before the ordinance comes before Council?

If you live in an urban village or are interested in innovative infill housing, join Matt Hutchins, AIA for this informational talk.

RSVP here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/envisioning-seattles-residential-small-lot-future-tickets-52921293012