Today the Seattle City Council voted unanimously to approve an Ordinance relating to Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADU’s) or more commonly know as “Backyard Cottages”.  This was not a surprising vote but a victory for the citizens of Seattle who want to build cottages for loved ones to live closer, an extra studio or office, or a rent-able unit to help young family’s get their feet off the ground.  Architecture 5¢ Founder John Morefield and his colleague Sage K Saskill attended many meetings to share with the council the feelings and needs of the people they met at their booth at the Ballard Farmers Market.

I spoke to people weekly at the booth who wanted to build a cottage structure in their backyard, and until now I had to tell them it wasn’t possible under the current zoning. When I heard that the “Backyard Cottage” legislation was coming in front of the City Council I felt it my duty to become as engaged with the process as possible. I told the Council I was speaking for the people from the Ballard Farmers Market, when I explained how necessary these structures are to our community. I also took great time to voice my concerns and idea’s to the Council in the best interest for my community. It was a very enlightening experience, and I have nothing but admiration and thanks for the Council for listening to their constituents at every step of the process.

A good account of the proceedings can be found at the West Seattle Blog.