Seattle’s Dept of Planning and Development, notified neighbors last Friday of a developer’s petition to create a tiny new buildable lot in the backyard of 1252 16th Ave East just opposite the Volunteer Park Cafe.
The parcel in question, at 4800 sq ft, is already smaller than the standard for the RS-5000 zones and holds a 1905 residence along with a classic “alley house”. But that has not deterred the developers from asking Seattle DPD to authorize splitting the lot into two (SDPD Project 3014972).
The alley house has long been a fixture of the neighborhood, built as it is over a garage. It already serves the classic function of a city-approved “accessory dwelling unit” (ADU): adding a reasonable amount of density while maintaining affordability and without affecting neighborhood character. Without any special exemption from city rules, the developer could almost certainly rebuild or upgrade it. So why petition to create the tiny lots?
Well, if split into two legal lots, City rules permit a modern tall skinny house that doubles or even triples the unit’s size–and the likely resale price. It is easy to see the financial advantage to the developers, but hard to spot the public interest–especially when neighborhoods all over town are speaking up about the impact of tall, skinny in-fill developments (http://www.onehomeperlot.com) .
Have an opinion? The City comment period expires soon: May 8, 2013 [email protected]
I am very concerned about our community on 16th Ave. E. and what the result will be if we allow multifamily dwellings in a single-family neighborhood. We have lived here for over 30 years and enjoy our neighbors and the support that comes from knowing them. I already see at least 4 homes that have been leased in the past two years and the effect this has on community. I want future generations to enjoy friendly, community-minded neighborhoods. Sometimes rental establishments can be transitional. Thank you.