Blog Layout

News Update : Washington state might ban single-family zoning

Victor K • May 18, 2023

Washington lawmakers are looking forward to making laws that assist in the building of more housing in the next decade. This could essentially mean stopping the construction of any more single-family zoning in the future, in cities like Seattle.

 

The Law

The Housing Bill 1110 essentially dictates that more residents (almost 6000) will be allowed to build quadplex housing in residential blocks and sixplexes near all major transportation hubs.

 

How It Effects

As per the state department, approximately 1 million new accommodations would be required by 2044 to keep up with the Washington state population growth. To reach this goal, the state might have to dismantle local zoning rules that ban the construction of dense housing in many neighborhoods, especially in cities like Seattle.

 

Deep Analysis

At present, the majority of the residential areas in Seattle do not allow quadplex or sixplexes housing. They just allow single-family homes with an additional allowance for backyard construction and mother-in-law apartments. State Representative Jessica Bateman said in a recent hearing that house building should be made easier if the goal is to be achieved in the future. She further added that the absence of housing choices that lie between apartment buildings and single-family homes, which are typically known as "missing middle" units, is a contributing factor to the escalating property prices and the inaccessibility of home ownership for many.

 

State Of Play

Cities in the state of Washington are not opposing this bill or the drive to add more housing in dense zones as well as near transportation hubs. This is a change from their stance over the years which makes the chances of the policy change even more. 

 

According to Carl Schroeder, who is a lobbyist representing the Association of Washington Cities, the most recent proposal focuses on promoting the construction of affordable housing units rather than just market-rate housing. Moreover, under the new law; not only additional accommodation will be built near transportation hubs but builders will be favored for making the same multiple-home accommodation in other zones as well as creating affordable housing on the way for low-income families.

 

The Catch

The city still doesn't like this blanket approval, if it gets passed. Mr. Schroeder says that similar rules should be drawn for all cities alike. There should not be a difference in implementing the policy in Seattle and Othello, as an example. It is still not clear whether Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell will have the same issues about the bill he raised last year or not. However, he hasn’t commented as of last month nor has Council member Dan Strauss, who chairs the city council's land use committee.

 

Final Wait

The bill is expected to pass out of committee — but it still must win approval from both chambers of the Legislature to become law which is what all builders, homeowners, contractors, and subcontractors are waiting for.

 

Zoning laws and housing bills can be difficult to decipher and therefore expert help and opinion are required. TOV Restoration is an excellent place to start if you don’t know where the starting line is in this scenario.

How to Build an ADU: A Quick Project Guide

By Victor K • 16 Oct, 2024
Building an ADU in Seattle is possibly the best way to increase the value of property, create additional space to live in, or generate rental income. Without proper guidance, the process will be overwhelming. In this guide, we'll take you through steps on how to build an ADU Seattle with adherence to all local regulations. A Quick ADU Seattle Project Guide Identifying the Needs an ADU Can Fulfill First and foremost, you need to understand why you need an ADU. An ADU can fill several needs since it is highly versatile. These include: Rental Income: Many homeowners build ADUs to create passive income through the opportunities of long-term or short-term rentals, even vacation rentals. Family Accommodation: ADUs can offer comfortable living space to aging parents, adult children, or extended family members, making the home multigenerational. Guest Quarters: An ADU can house guests with privacy, not affecting the main living space. Home Office or Studio: As many people work from home, ADUs are an increasing selection for silent home offices, studios, or creative areas. Once you have a concrete idea of the need your ADU will serve, you can settle on a design that meets those specific needs and yet still aligns with the local regulations. 

Design Ideas For Your Seattle ADU: Making The Most Of Limited Space

By Victor K • 14 Oct, 2024
Are you on a hunt to design your ADU Seattle? But don't want that cookie-cutter look? Well, Seattle is always ahead in solving space constraints and increasing property value. That is where ADU kicks in. Whether you want a cozy guest space, a dedicated home office, or a rental income opportunity, here are some creative Seattle ADU ideas that reflect you. A Brief Insight Into ADU Seattle Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Seattle are the perfect way to have your cake and eat it too! These charming Eco-friendly ADUs Seattle offers a cozy hideaway to your property. You can do anything in these ADU Seattle whatever your creative soul want you to do. Reach For The Ceiling Vertical space is the most important thing to consider for your ADU Seattle. Because, after all, you don't have much area horizontally. But we need storage along with design, so think upward. Install floor-to-ceiling shelves. Such an approach maximizes storage and draws the focus upward. Wall hooks and hanging organizers are another great option. They are perfect for storing stuff like pots and pans. Further, it keeps your floor clear and your space clutter-free. And if you're an adventurous personality, then consider lofted or mezzanine sleeping areas. At TOV Restoration , our creative craftsmanship not only build your ADU Seattle but also offer you innovative design ideas that suits your taste. 

Why Choose a DADU? The Benefits of Detached Living in Seattle

By Victor K • 10 Oct, 2024
In the hustling and bustling city of Seattle, when space is highly limited, home owners are now increasingly using innovative housing solutions like DADUs, or Detached Accessory Dwelling Units. A DADU is an alternative living space-one that combines independence with the benefits of detached living. In this blog, we are going to explore what a DADU Seattle is, its various considerable benefits, and why you should consider it on your property. What is a DADU? A DADU is a self-contained living unit on residential property, detached from the main house. It is meant to independently support living needs in one room, with a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. DADUs range from guest house to rental income possibilities to giving family members their private space. DADU vs. ADU Seattle: Understanding the Difference While both ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) and DADUs offer extra space, the distinction between the two is in their structure. A DADU would be detached from a house whereas an ADU would typically be built into an already existing structure. One may be more fitting than another, depending on your needs. As you consider DADU construction Seattle, you should first take your goals and preferences into consideration. Benefits of DADUs Increased Property Value A DADU Seattle is a fantastic way to boost property value. With the demand for housing increasing, a detached living unit provides an amazing selling point. The extra space that will be allowed is flexible; there will be several choices for buyers over what its intended use is in a very competitive market. 
Share by: