Seattle's leader in detached ADU design and permitting. Sign up for for information or to attend an upcoming open house.
A one bedroom DADU in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood.
Seattle permitted more DADUs than new homes in 2022
In 2022 there were 551 DADUs permitted in Seattle which is approximately four times the number permitted five years ago. While not all of these will get built, it is a lot of DADUs, and they are fairly evenly spread out through the city.
Read MoreDADUs built in 2022 were able to incorporate code changes intended to promote more missing middle housing in Seattle.
Join us for a builder's open house to see what is what is possible for these larger DADUs. This DADU features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a garage. The interior features a unique split level design and vaulted ceilings. Construction is still wrapping up so you can expect rough conditions but it will be possible to get a good sense of the spaces. Ultimately this DADU will be sold as a condo. RSVP via our contact form on the DADU planning page.
Despite supply chain disruptions, a protracted concrete strike, labor shortages and high construction costs, a record 495 DADU’s were built in Seattle last year. This DADU located in the Green Lake neighborhood sold as a condo in September for $945,000. It is representative of the increasing number of DADUs being build by larger homebuilders for sale. A trend that is likely to continue even as rising interest rates and cooling housing prices slow construction of larger new homes and multi-family projects.
Read MoreMost existing lots with a DADU are too small to be sub-divided under Seattle's land-use code. However, while the city of Seattle may restrict ownership of that lot to one entity if that entity is a condo association, the DADU and the primary residence can be owned separately and sold separately. It is in the words of one developer a "game changer" in residential development allowing up to three separate units on a single family zoned lot.
Attorney Terrance Wilson and UW Real Estate instructor Jeff McCann discuss the topic of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs & DADUs) in the latest episode of Real Leaders in Real Estate. With his wealth of knowledge of the City's code, Terrance describes how the condo process can be overlaied, and an owner (or investor) can tap into this opportunity to sell off parts of their property to increase equity or profits.
How to sell a DADU as a condo.
https://youtu.be/5TXLk13thW4 .
bryant backard cottage
Last year saw the completion of a record number of backyard cottages and 2018 is shaping up to be another big year for ADUs. In 2017 the City of Seattle had a mayoral election during which housing and livability were major themes. The public and policy makers seem to agree that ADUs have, and will continue to play, an increasingly important role in our vibrant city.
In 2017 the city proposed code changes to encourage the construction of more backyard cottages and began preparing an EIS to inform the public and policy makers about the possible impacts of these changes. This process is schedule to be completed and the city council expected to vote on the proposed changes this summer.
Importantly, the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) has at long last agreed to clarify the rules governing the size of cottages. We estimate that the current system, which is rife with inconsistencies, adds $1,000 to design and permitting costs and over six weeks to the permitting process. We are working closely with SDCI to ensure common sense interpretations for what is included in the allowable gross square footage are adopted into the next omnibus code update.
Even with the support of city council and SDCI, backyard cottages will continue to face hurdles. Intense competition for material and labor will see another year of double digit construction costs rises for the Seattle area. Rule changes under EIS review won't reduce the cost to build a backyard cottage even if more are built. Permitting and construction scheduling will also continue to be affected. SDCI is starting the year with a temporary hold on new building permit intakes and an ongoing 6-8 week increase in review time on projects already in their system.
In spite of these challenges backyard cottages are still a great option for many families, we are expecting another banner year for backyard cottages. We will be continuing to do our part in the community to maintain and encourage thoughtful planning and exercise patience as the city rolls out new policies and changes.