we're beyond point of 4plexes in single family zones as a means towards affordable housing.
that juncture was in late 70s, when city looked at legalizing missing middle affordable housing in seattle's vast single family zoned landscape. homeowners got that killed. or 90s UV plan
that juncture was in late 70s, when city looked at legalizing missing middle affordable housing in seattle's vast single family zoned landscape. homeowners got that killed. or 90s UV plan
per zillow, median single family home value in seattle today exceeds $950k, is expected to increase substantially over the next year.
this means the land costs *alone* for a 4plex will be almost $250k.
seattle's abhorrent land policies have only exacerbated the housing crisis
this means the land costs *alone* for a 4plex will be almost $250k.
seattle's abhorrent land policies have only exacerbated the housing crisis
if we take a very aggressive soft + hard cost (minus land) of $350/sf for a 1,000 sf unit, then we're at $600k per unit.
this is unaffordable for those under 100% AMI without a very sizeable down payment. especially if the city refuses to adjust occupancy limits
this is unaffordable for those under 100% AMI without a very sizeable down payment. especially if the city refuses to adjust occupancy limits
this also assumes that a 4,000 sf building would be feasible on a single family lot where seattle allows 4-plexes.
currently, there's a max FAR of 0.5 on single family lots - which would correlate to 2,500 sf on a 5,000 sf lot
currently, there's a max FAR of 0.5 on single family lots - which would correlate to 2,500 sf on a 5,000 sf lot
so there would be a number of things that need to change on single family lots to even make 4plexes work...
removal of occ limits
increase in FAR
increase in lot coverage
parking requirements
removal of occ limits
increase in FAR
increase in lot coverage
parking requirements
and setbacks should probably be revised so that the common rear yard could be bigger. front yards are relatively useless.
now, if we can get the land issues somehow resolved (ground lease? community land trust) - then those numbers start to get better.
now, if we can get the land issues somehow resolved (ground lease? community land trust) - then those numbers start to get better.
but those approaches aren't really a scalable or broad way to obtain significant affordable housing - especially without significant support from the city.
the other issue is 4 plexes on single family lots in seattle are still relatively car-centric. transit planning is key
the other issue is 4 plexes on single family lots in seattle are still relatively car-centric. transit planning is key
in seattle, even allowing 6-8 unit multifamily buildings in single family lots will struggle to be affordable. especially if home values keep skyrocketing
seattle legislators have kicked that can down road for >40 years.
it is long past time for action on this issue.
seattle legislators have kicked that can down road for >40 years.
it is long past time for action on this issue.
if only there was some precedent for denser housing and detached houses, townhouses all cohabitating together...
like an actual city, and not some autocentric, unwalkable dystopia... hmmm
like an actual city, and not some autocentric, unwalkable dystopia... hmmm
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
