US: Seattle City Council is considering legislation which could create more coliving and congregate-style housing in the city.
With changes in state law, legislation being considered by the council’s land use committee this week would update the city’s regulations to remove state restrictions placed on congregate housing 10 years ago which were introduced to prevent a surfeit of microhousing.
The city says the restrictions worked and the production of new congregate housing dropped in Seattle. Changes in state law to open up zoning to new coliving developments have prompted an update that will allow the housing type in more areas of the city including all multifamily and low-rise areas of the city.
Under the regulations, congregate residence means “a use in which sleeping rooms are independently rented and lockable and provide living and sleeping space, and residents share kitchen facilities and other common elements with other residents in a building”.
Proponents of the bill and its sponsor, Councillor Tammy Morales, say the changes will help address Seattle’s housing supply while encouraging “a relatively lower cost housing option without direct subsidy”. Examples provided in a presentation on the legislation show the potential for lower rents and housing costs for residents.
If passed, the changes would be incorporated into the Land Use Code by the end of 2025.
