In a significant move towards addressing Seattle’s ongoing housing crisis, Mayor Bruce Harrell has introduced new legislation aimed at enhancing affordable housing options in the city. This initiative is part of the comprehensive One Seattle Housing Agenda, which emphasizes the need for diverse living spaces that cater to all demographics.
Mayor Harrell, in collaboration with state officials and housing developers, has signed legislation to promote co-living spaces, commonly known as micro-apartments or single-room occupancy buildings. These facilities offer small living quarters with shared communal amenities, such as kitchens, at a cost-effective rate ranging between $850 to $950 per month, thus providing a viable solution for affordable housing in Seattle.
“In order to lower housing costs and accommodate residents through various life stages, we need a wider range of housing options,” stated Mayor Harrell. This legislation eliminates existing barriers to the development of co-living and congregate residences, which are viewed as practical means to enhance housing supply in neighborhoods with excellent access to jobs and transit.
Notably, the legislation modifies Seattle’s land use code to align with Washington State’s House Bill 1998. It enables congregate housing in all areas approved for multifamily units, removes stringent design standards fostering more flexibility in communal configurations, and withdraws parking requirements located within half a mile of major transit stops.
State Senator Jesse Salomon expressed support for the bill by asserting, “This bill offers people more options for affordable housing.” He highlighted that these housing options would benefit both young professionals seeking to live in popular neighborhoods and retirees looking for community.
Furthering these efforts, Mayor Harrell has put forward two additional legislative pieces to the City Council’s Land Use Committee. One aims to update accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations to permit two ADUs per residential lot and dual detached configurations in all zones. The second seeks a sales tax exemption on projects transitioning nonresidential spaces into housing, reflecting ongoing efforts to streamline housing production.
The broader scope of the One Seattle Housing Agenda includes initiatives to enhance ADU production, promote office-to-residential conversions, and establish a redevelopment plan for affordable housing, among other strategies to create more housing opportunities throughout the city.
This legislative progress is viewed as a positive step toward alleviating the housing shortage in Seattle. By embracing innovative housing solutions like co-living, the city is set to provide opportunities for residents historically priced out of desirable neighborhoods, and bolster community connections within diverse living environments.
In summary, Seattle is actively reshaping its housing landscape through new legislation focused on affordable co-living options, paving the way for a more inclusive and economically diverse city. As we move forward, these initiatives exemplify a collective commitment to finding workable solutions to the pressing housing challenges faced by numerous residents in Seattle.