Seattle’s DPD is putting out a call to homeowners to legalize their existing, unauthorized backyard cottages without penalty before June 30, 2010.  Owners can apply for a building permit up until June 30, and have until December 31, 2010 to obtain the final inspection of the unit.  There will be no penalties for owners that [...]

After a several year test period in southeast Seattle (south of I-90 and East of _I5), the City Council on Nov. 2nd unanimously approved an ordinance to allow backyard cottages to be built in all of Seattle.

Backyard cottages, formerly known by the not-so-friendly-sounding term DADU (detached accessory dwelling unit) have been championed [...]

On August 15, Mayor Greg Nickels signed Ordinance 122190 that allows detached accessory dwelling units (sometimes called Mother-in-law units, which really refers to attached units) in single family zones in Southeast Seattle. This area is bounded by I-90 on the north and I-5 on the west, and Lake Washington on the east. Here’s a quick [...]