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Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Seattle
In Seattle, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a self-contained living space on the same property as a primary residence, either attached (AADU) or detached (DADU/backyard cottage). Legally permitted tiny homes on permanent foundations qualify as DADUs, while tiny homes on wheels cannot serve as full-time residences.
ADUs are allowed in most residential zones and select low-rise areas, with up to two units per lot in some cases. Permits are required for construction or alterations, and units must meet Seattle’s building, energy, and land use codes. Off-street parking and owner occupancy are not mandatory, making ADUs a flexible option for adding housing while complying with city regulations.
Learn More: https://www.seattle.gov/sdci/permits/common-projects/accessory-dwelling-units
Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) in Seattle
Pre-Approved DADU Plans
The City of Seattle offers pre-approved DADU plans to help homeowners simplify the design and permitting process. These plans have been reviewed by the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI), allowing for lower permitting costs, faster approvals, and a more predictable path to construction.
You can explore the full program details and plan gallery directly on the City of Seattle’s website: https://aduniverse-seattlecitygis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/gallery
*Pre-approved plans do not guarantee construction outcomes or site suitability. Homeowners should rely on their chosen designer or contractor for guidance related to compliance, construction, and warranties.
How the Process Works
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1. Review available designs
Browse a curated gallery of pre-approved DADU plans featuring a range of sizes, layouts, and architectural styles.
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2. Select a plan and designer
After choosing a design, you’ll work directly with the plan’s designer to discuss usage fees, optional services, and permitting support.
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3. Prepare a site plan
A site plan is required to show how the DADU will be placed on your property and to allow the City to review zoning, drainage, and other site-specific requirements.
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4. Submit your permit
Permits are submitted through SDCI. Using a pre-approved plan often results in faster review times—sometimes as little as two to six weeks for eligible properties.
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Middle Housing - What Is HB 1110?
Purpose & Intent
Passed in 2023, Washington’s HB 1110 promotes “middle housing” like duplexes, fourplexes, and cottages to increase density, expand housing options, and help meet the state’s long-term housing goals.
Middle Housing Types Required
Washington law requires cities to allow at least six of nine defined “middle housing” types—duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, fiveplexes, sixplexes, townhouses, stacked flats, courtyard apartments, and cottage housing—designed to be compatible in scale and character with single-family neighborhoods.
Minimum Density Requirements
Washington law requires larger cities (pop. ≥75,000) to allow at least four units per lot in all residential zones, and six units near transit or when including affordable housing, while smaller cities (pop. 25,000–75,000) must permit duplexes and higher-density housing in certain areas.
Affordability Requirements
Under Washington law, the six-unit per lot allowance requires at least two units to remain permanently affordable, secured by a long-term covenant or deed restriction.
Regulatory & Design Standards
Washington law requires cities to apply only objective design standards and administrative reviews for middle housing, using the same permitting, environmental review, and development rules as for detached single-family homes, while still meeting safety and environmental protections.
Parking Restrictions
Washington law limits off-street parking for middle housing: none within half a mile of major transit, one space per unit on lots under 6,000 ft², and two spaces per unit on larger lots, with exceptions allowed based on safety or feasibility studies.
Subdivision & Ownership
Washington law requires cities to allow zero-lot-line short subdivisions, enabling flexible lot divisions that support middle housing and fee-simple ownership, where residents fully own both their home and the land.
Implementation Support
The Washington State Department of Commerce provides technical assistance and publishes model ordinances to help cities implement HB 1110, tailored to different city sizes.
Historic and Critical Area Considerations
Washington law preserves critical-area protections and allows additional review for historic districts or landmarks, while requiring that general middle housing design review remain objective.
Learn More: https://wa-law.org/bill/2023-24/hb/1110/
Implications & Impact
Washington’s HB 1110 expands local zoning to allow “missing middle” housing—2–6 unit multi-family homes—on lots previously limited to single-family residences. The law increases density near transit, potentially boosting housing supply, and includes affordability provisions for some higher-density units. It also streamlines permitting by reducing subjective design review and aligning middle housing approvals with single-family standards. Cities must update zoning and development regulations, often using state model ordinances, to comply with the new requirements.
About the Crow Woods Community
Located in North Seattle near Haller Lake and Northgate, Crow Woods is a small co-housing neighborhood developed by Jane Lester. The community transforms two residential lots into nine privately owned homes arranged around shared spaces, including a common house and outdoor gathering areas designed to encourage connection while maintaining the privacy of individual homes.
Residents embrace a community-oriented lifestyle with shared meals, events, and collaborative decision-making. Crow Woods offers a unique example of intentional living in North Seattle, blending modern housing with a strong sense of neighborhood connection.
Learn More: To explore the Crow Woods philosophy, community features, and available resources, visit crowwoods.com.
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Activities in the Haller Lake Area
Haller Lake offers a mix of outdoor recreation, community programs, and neighborhood amenities that make it a sought-after North Seattle location.
Fishing & Boating
The lake is popular for rainbow trout, largemouth bass, and yellow perch fishing. Residents can easily obtain a Washington State fishing license to enjoy year-round angling. Public street-end access points also allow hand-launching of kayaks, small boats, and inflatables, making the lake ideal for quiet paddling.
Parks & Outdoor Spaces
Northacres Park in Seattle offers wooded walking trails, sports fields, a community pool, and an off-leash dog area, providing recreation for all ages. The park’s picnic areas and seasonal bird populations—including coots, shovelers, buffleheads, ruddy ducks, mergansers, gadwalls, and cormorants in winter—make it a popular destination for outdoor activities and wildlife observation.
Community Activities
The Haller Lake Community Club offers regular programs such as yoga, tai chi, and square dances, fostering strong neighborhood engagement. The area also hosts unique sports options, including the Granite Curling Club and Jackson Park Golf Course for local golf enthusiasts.
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History of the Haller Lake Area
Located in North Seattle, Haller Lake has a rich history that reflects the city’s transition from rural homesteads to a thriving residential neighborhood. The area was first settled in 1869 by British immigrant John Welch, who claimed 160 acres and named the water body Welch Lake. In 1905, developer Theodore Haller—son of Granville O. Haller—purchased and platted the property, renaming it Haller Lake. Long before European settlement, the lake was known to the Shilshole people as “sisaɬtəb,” meaning “calmed down a little.”
Throughout the early 1900s, the Haller Lake area remained largely rural with farmhouses, cabins, and wooded acreage until community growth accelerated in the 1920s with the founding of the Haller Lake Community Club in 1922 and the opening of the Haller Lake School in 1924. Post–World War II expansion and nearby commercial development—especially the opening of Northgate Mall in the 1950s—spurred residential growth. Today, the approximately 15-acre lake remains a peaceful natural centerpiece of the neighborhood as the area evolves with increased housing density, including ADUs and DADUs, while maintaining its strong community character.
