Nathan Torgelson, Director | City of Seattle | Sept. 20, 2020 |
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a separate living space within a house or on the same property as an existing house. These units are not legal unless they have been established through a permit process. A legally permitted unit in the home is called an attached accessory dwelling unit (AADU). A legally permitted unit on the property (but not within the home) is called a detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) or backyard cottage. Tiny houses, with foundations, are considered DADUs.
Note: Tiny houses on wheels are treated like camper trailers. You cannot live in a tiny house on wheels (or similar equipment such as RVs and boats) on lots in Seattle city limits. If your tiny house has wheels you need to follow parking rules for large vehicles.
What’s New?
The Office of Planning and Development (OPCD) launched the ADUniverse website in September 2020. The ADUniverse features a gallery of pre-approved DADU designs, a step-by-step guide to the ADU process, and a search tool to identify the feasibility of adding an ADU to your property.