A week from today, Planning, Land Use, and Sustainability (PLUS) Committee Chair, Mike O’Brien will host a lunch and learn in the City Council Chambers at noon on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), especially Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) or Backyard Cottages. While they go by different names, ADUs are essentially a way of adding another unit to a single-family home. Often these units, attached or detached from the house, are rented out and generate income for the homeowner. In spite of legislation passed years ago, not very many Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) have been built. In contrast, Oregon has seen a renaissance of backyard cottages. Oregon even has a model code for building DADUs which has helped encourage more of them (we were happy to recruit the panel being hosted by Councilmember O’Brien).

The discussion is the beginning of what we hope will be a sustained conversation about how to duplicate Oregon’s successes in creating more housing here in Seattle. The details are below. Please make plans to attend.