Seattle (July 1, 2019) – Mayor Jenny A. Durkan issued the following statement after the Seattle City Council voted 8-0, passing legislation loosening restrictions on the development of backyard cottages and in-law apartments, also known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
“Seattle is in the midst of an affordability and housing crisis. This crisis calls on each of us to act with urgency, using every tool available to increase housing options and make room for our neighbors as quickly as possible. Today, the Seattle City Council took an important step with the passage of this legislation, but there is more work to do.
“We’ve been listening to community and there remain considerable obstacles to speeding the development of backyard cottages and in-law apartments. The permitting process is too complex, takes too long, and there are financial barriers keeping many low and middle-income homeowners from bringing these housing solutions online and into their neighborhoods.
“If we’re serious about providing more housing choices across the city, it’s incredibly important that we take this opportunity to get this right.”