More density is coming to Seattle neighborhoods after a unanimous vote Monday.
The council voted 8-to-0 to allow the owners of single-family homes to build both an in-law apartment and a backyard cottage, instead of one or the other.
The city also eliminated the requirement that the owner live on-site and that off-street parking be provided.
Council member Mike O'Brien sponsored the legislation, which he says will provide new flexibility and housing options.
"This legislation makes a handful of changes that will make it easier to build a backyard cottage or an in-law unit," O'Brien said.
Architect David Coleman said removing the owner-occupancy requirement gives a citywide green light to developers.
"I think the result of that will be that home prices go up, not down, because home buyers will be competing against speculative developers," Coleman said.
O'Brien says the worst fears about developers are unfounded.
"We don't think it’s terribly profitable for developers to be building backyard cottages," O'Brien said.
He predicts a modest impact on neighborhoods.
"We're talking 500 units a year instead of 250 units," O'Brien said. "I don't think that's the kind of change where you leave for a couple of years, come back to Seattle and say, 'Whoa, I don't even recognize this city any more.'"
O'Brien said the new rules will prevent some smaller single-family homes from being replaced with bigger ones.
Critics say by allowing three living spaces totaling 4,500 square feet on a single lot, there could be a significant neighborhood impact.
"If you don't like McMansions in your neighborhood now, just wait until this legislation passes," Coleman said.
When there's a main home and two extra units, the legislation allows up to 12 unrelated people to live on a single lot.
Mayor Jenny Durkan's office issued a statement applauding the passage, but said there's more work to do to speed up permitting for backyard cottages.
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