Backyard Cottages in Seattle

We are very excited about the fact that the Seattle City Council voted this month to carry over the development standards of Backyard Cottages from Southeast Seattle to the rest of the city! Backyard Cottages, also referred to as “detached accessory dwelling units” or “DADUs”, have been allowed in Southeast Seattle since 2006, with approximately 18 being permitted since that time.

So, let’s start with the basics…

Backyard Cottages provide a surprising number of benefits to communities, homeowners, and renters. Because of their small scale, Backyard Cottages can create attractive and affordable rental opportunities for Seattle residents without changing the neighborhood or quality of life for other residents. They can provide greater financial flexibility for homeowners by allowing for the collection of rent from a portion of their existing property, or help accommodate larger or multi-generational families. Backyard Cottages also offer a new housing type to Seattle that is desirable, quiet, and compatible with other homes in single-family neighborhoods.

ADU Above Garage by Kelley Roy of Sassafras Green Building

You can build a Backyard Cottage if you meet the following requirements:

• You are a homeowner living in Seattle
• Your Property is located in a single-family residential zone (SF 5000, SF 7200 or SF 9600 zoned area)
• Your lot is not in a Shoreline District
• Your lot is at least 4,000 square feet in area (with 25ft min width, 70ft min depth)
• You or your property co-owner(s) will occupy either the main house or the Backyard Cottage as a permanent and principal residence
• You or your property co-owner(s) plan to live in the main home or the Backyard Cottage for more than 6 months of each calendar year
• You or your property co-owner(s) who live on the property have a 50% or greater interest in the property

Additionally, the Backyard Cottage must meet the following requirements:

• Be 800sf or less, including garage and storage areas
• Be a maximum of 12-16ft in height (15-23ft with pitched roof) depending on lot width
• Have a side yard setback of at least 5ft (10ft on corner lots)
• Have its own off-street parking space
• And, total lot coverage of all residences & accessory structures does not exceed 40%

There are exceptions and other conditions that may apply to your property. For more information visit DPD Backyard Cottages.

This newly expanded potential for Backyard Cottages will also be an interesting market driver, so if you’d like to learn more about searching for, or the marketing of, Backyard Cottage eligible properties, give us a call today.

Next up! An interview with Bob Scott of The Little Building Company, who specializes in building green Backyard Cottages, or as he calls it DADUgreen.

Martha Rose Townhome in Rainier Vista

It was only 3 years ago that Infiniti RED co-owner Danielle Johnson listed and sold a 13 unit townhome project for Martha Rose Construction in Seattle’s redeveloped Rainier Vista neighborhood. Formerly occupied by temporary housing from the 1940s, Rainier Vista is a 34 acre planned community in southeast Seattle located on the LINK Light Rail line and just minutes from Columbia City. While a portion of the redevelopment included low-income and subsidized housing, the rest is market- rate homes, and all homes were required to achieve Built Green certification. Martha Rose Construction was the only builder in Rainier Vista, and possibly the City at that time, to achieve the highest level of 5-Star Built Green and ENERGY STAR certification on a townhome project, which appropriately earned her the title of Seattle’s ‘Queen of Green‘.

Needless to say, we are excited to announce that our new Featured Listing is the very first resale of a Martha Rose townhome in Rainier Vista. This is an end unit with 3.5 stories, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2100sf and a detached 2-car garage, but it is far from a typical townhome! Enter from the street through a friendly, front porch and walk straight into the heart of this home. The light-filled and open main floor, with 9′ ceilings and polished concrete floors, includes the kitchen, dining and living rooms, plus a Martha Rose signature passive solar atrium, which opens to the private backyard and patio area. Retreat to the upper floors for resting, relaxing or working from home. Plus, the Columbia City Link Light Rail Station is JUST 2 BLOCKS AWAY!

All 13 units were pre-wired for solar hot water and electric, but this is 1 of only 2 units that actually had both these systems installed. The owners also finished the fourth floor flex space, with the same golden bamboo floors that grace all the upper levels. Another unique feature of this home is the Heat Recovery Ventilator, which uses outgoing air from all the bathrooms and utility room to warm or cool incoming fresh air going to all the bedrooms. This combined with the use of low-VOC, non-toxic paints and finishes throughout and no carpet means occupants can enjoy a superior level of indoor air quality. Read more about this home’s green features.

So, come visit our Open House at 2825 S Adams St, this Sunday (Sept 20th) from 1-4pm! Danielle will be on site to answer any and all questions about why living in this home, located in this incredible community, with the LINK Light Rail, Columbia City, Seward Park and Lake Washington at your fingertips, is a really smart thing to do!

Home Price Premiums for Walkability

Sightline’s Daily Score featured an article this week entitled “Walkable Neighborhoods Are Worth More”, which summarizes the findings of recent studies on walkability and its relationship to home prices. CEOs for Cities, a national network of urban leaders building and sustaining the next generation of great American cities, took it upon themselves to ask – does Walk Score mean anything for real estate values? And, the answer not surprisingly, was YES!

Seattle-based Walkscore.com uses Google Maps to calculate your home’s proximity to nearby amenities. The closer a shop, restaurant, school, or park is to where you live, the more points your home or neighborhood gets. Walk Score is now being used by home buyers, renters and real estate agents alike to find homes in the most walkable neighborhoods across the nation.

According to this new report, “Walking the Walk”, people value walkable neighborhoods so much that each additional Walk Score point adds somewhere between $500 and $3,000 to the value of a home. In Seattle, a point of walkability adds about $1,400 to home values.

CEOs for Cities looked at data for more than 90,000 recent home sales in 15 different markets around the nation. Their statistical approach controlled for key characteristics of individual housing units (their size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, age and other factors), as well as for the neighborhoods in which they were located (including the neighborhood’s income level, proximity to the urban center and relative accessibility to employment opportunities).

This study confirms the very real and measurable demand for homes in walkable neighborhoods. A fact that is reflected in the current home prices of Seattle’s Most Walkable Neighborhoods. But, it also reminds us that continuing to improve walkability is an essential task for the sustainability of our nation’s cities.

LEED Platinum Alley House

We have just teamed up with Sloan Ritchie of Cascade Built to list his “Alley House” in Madison Valley, one of the first LEED platinum certified single-family houses in Seattle.

This 1,830 square-foot, three bedroom, two-and-a-half bath modern home redefines urban infill development with it’s unique back alley location and tree-top views. It’s also chalk full of eco elements, including: structually insulated panels, rain screen siding, a green roof, concrete & recycled wood floors, prewiring for photovoltaics and solar hot water, dual-flush toilets, drainwater heat recovery, raingardens and grasscrete parking.

“This house is super-efficient in every regard. The “building envelope” was carefully designed and constructed so as to retain heat in the cooler months yet allow passive cooling in the summer. It is not “stick-built” with 2×4’s like most houses, instead it uses Structural Insulated Panels, which are way more efficient for insulation. This house is 50% more efficient than another similar brand new code home, and roughly 70% more efficient than the average Seattle home. Utility bills don’t get out of the double digits, even with the snows we had this winter”. – Sloan Ritchie

Finishes and materials range from a cool palette of zero VOC paints and Caesarstone countertops to a powder room fitted with a reclaimed fiber Kirei board door. Every square inch of this 3-story home has been maximized, yet it remains both open and inviting. Oversized windows and glass doors connect the main floor living space to the private bamboo courtyard, and the entire third floor is a master suite with a private, south facing balcony overlooking the green roof and Madison Valley. Check out the Alley House slideshow!

At $659,000, this ultra modern, super energy-efficient townhome alternative is definitely priced well for it’s central location, neighborhood walkability and amenities. Sloan wrote about his experiences living in this house, and in the Madison Valley neighborhood, which you can read more about by visiting our Alley House – Featured Listing page.

Having Fun with Flickr!

When I first started taking digital photos I decided to join the online photo sharing community of Flickr. I knew there were many ways to share images on the internet, but I was specifically looking for an active online community, and Flickr is where I found it. Not only could I organize my images in sets, I could assign them a plethora of tags, give them descriptions of any length and then send them off to groups by genre for public viewing.

The Barrel Cluster by Gemma Grace

One of my dozen or so Flickr ‘Faves’. Recycled whiskey barrel homes in the Findhorn Foundation Ecovillage in Scotland. I’ve been there and so has Flickrite Gemma Grace who took this photo and others like it. Talk about an interesting connection!

To date I have 1,388 images on Flickr and they’ve been viewed 31,475 times. I have joined over 20 groups with themes that range from the obvious, like Green Buildings + Sustainable Communities, to the relatively obscure Ephemeral Creation and No Rules! Seattle. You name it and there’s probably a Flickr group for it. I’ve also started 5 of my own groups, the most active thus far being Green Homes & Prefabs, with 256 members, and Green Roofs & Living Walls, with 261 members. The later being where I found this next personal favorite!

Goat on the Roof by bods

Needless to say, the next obvious step was to get Infiniti RED a Flickr account and start uploading images of our listings. Why not gain exposure for Case Design’s Columbia City Green Project in groups like  (you guessed it!) ‘Columbia City Seattle’,  ‘Seattle Dwellings’ and the ‘Sustainable Modern Dwellings’? Not only do people view these images, they comment on them, ask questions, and bookmark them as one of their “Favorites”. Now, Infiniti Red can also join other Flickerites like EcoMetro, Sustainable Seattle, Jetson Green and Method Homes in actively promoting green building, living and playing! Now that’s social networking!

- Danielle Johnson

Deep Green Plans for Clearwater Commons

Need a little inspiration? Well we did! So, last Thursday we headed out to Clearwater Commons for a presentation and tour of Snohomish County’s first Low Impact Development project, hosted by the Snohomish County Sustainable Task Force. That’s right! County ‘Development’ guidelines are officially being rewritten thanks to the passion and perseverance of an amazing group of families at Clearwater Commons.

In June 2006 these families (and future homeowners) formed the Clearwater Commons LLC and purchased a 7.4 acre site on North Creek, 11 miles north of Seattle’s city limits, with the intention of creating an intentional, ecologically-responsible residential community. The inspiration for the community grew from founding members’ involvement in The Clearwater School, a democratically run Sudbury school (k-12) located across the street.

After three years of pioneering work,  Snohomish County has now given Clearwater Commons final approval to proceed with site development and building construction, which will begin this summer.  This is the first project of its kind to combine the use of comprehensive low impact development methods, intentional community values and innovative green building techniques.

A few examples of  the “deep green”  or “low-impact” strategies planned at Clearwater Commons include the use of permeable walkways and driveway surfaces to reduce water runoff. The Commons will produce no water run-off, channeling what water doesn’t soak back into the soil naturally into a raingarden. This is in stark contrast to the original developer’s idea of placing a large retention basin on the site. Non-native plants will be then be replaced with more appropriate species already growing in an on-site nursery.

The Clearwater Commons Plan also includes a cluster of 16 homes which will be built on Pin Pile Foundations, small concrete pods that support the structure without digging down into the soil. Uncharacteristic of traditional poured concrete foundations, shallow groundwater will be able to move unhindered under the homes, thus mimicking traditional flow paths. The homes will be complete with solar panels, green roofs and a host of other deep green features.

This summer also marks the commencement of the North Creek restoration project.  This ¼ mile of environmentally-sensitive salmon habitat, which winds through both the Commons and School sites, is aptly named the Clearwater Reach of North Creek and is considered one of the best opportunities to restore salmon habitat in south Snohomish County. While engineering design and noxious weed removal has begun, grants received from Snohomish County and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will aide in the placement of in-stream structures and native plantings in the upcoming year.

Clearwater Commons is looking for new members interested in becoming future residents and active community members. For more information visit Joining Clearwater Commons.

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If you’re interested in learning more about cohousing in and around Seattle, visit our Communities page or give us a call today.

Columbia City Green on Inhabitat

Our very own Columbia City Green listing, by Case Design & Project Management, was highlighted this past week in the national green design blog Inhabitat. That’s an estimated 35,000 visitors per day now getting an up close and personal look at what we think is a very inspired, local project.

“This brightly-colored home designed by Seattle-based Case Architects opened just a week ago, and was featured earlier on Jetson Green this week. The home’s most notable characteristic is its use of vibrant green CertainTeed Fiber Cement for exterior siding, however, the home is a host to a slew of other eco-friendly techniques such as a green roof balcony, rainwater collection, and radiant heat flooring. With rather un-conventional looks, the home still contains some cozy-looking interiors that we think just about anyone could feel right at home in this sustainably planned and built residence.” – READ MORE on Inhabitat

Tour dates, floor plans and more can be found on Columbia City Green.

Thanks Inhabitat!

Free Energy Audits for Seattleites!

From July 6 through August 21, all Seattle residents and are eligible to apply for a FREE environmental audit from the Environmental Stewardship Alliance (EOS) as part of their ‘Green Blocks’ pilot project. Each assessment will be conducted by professionals certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI), and these are the same professional assessments that cost $400 to $600.

Participating residents submit applications and are selected based on the number of applicants received from the same city block. So this is about getting your neighbors involved! Why not be the ‘Green(est) Block’ in Seattle? Applications must be in by June 26th, 2009.

Homeowners will also receive a detailed list of home improvement recommendations, resources, and support for implementing the Energy Audit recommendations. For detailed information about this EOS ‘Green Blocks’ pilot project visit Free Energy Audit.

The City of Seattle also provides a Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit as part of their free Green Home Remodel Guides. For customers of Seattle City Light or Seattle Public Utilities, log on to Home Resource Profile to get a one-year history of your home’s electricity and water use. You can also answer the online survey to receive a customized profile of your home’s resource use and suggestions for improvements.

New At Fremont Green

We are pleased to announce that there are now only 2 units left at Fremont Green, and we’ve just lowered their price to $439,000!

Fremont Green is a 5-unit, Built Green/Energy Star certified project located on N 42nd St in Fremont. Each home is 2BR/2.5BA and 1350sf. The unique floor plan offers an inviting live/work space as you enter, with an open hallway to a full bathroom, laundry closet, utility room and sizable guest bedroom, all on the main floor. The entire third floor is the master suite with walk-in closet, private balcony and extra storage room.

When we listed Fremont Green, a 5-unit townhouse project in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, we were well aware of what the biggest barriers to a quick sale would be. Continuing uncertainty in the real estate market; Increasing competition in the green home arena; and, The higher price point for a smaller home.

But, as with many of Seattle’s hip, urban neighborhoods, buyers are increasingly attracted to Fremont’s variety of walkable amenities and public transportation choices, allowing for truly car-optional living. Combine that with the possible 15-30% energy savings of an Energy Star home and the low-maintenance, long-life finishes used at Fremont Green (50 yr roof and siding, concrete floors, high-end appliances, native landscaping, etc…), and you begin to realize just how much more there is to a home than its upfront cost. That’s the attraction of Fremont Green!

So, swing on by our Open House this Sunday (June 14th). We’ll be there from 1-4pm! (See Map)

Columbia City Lights the Way to Green Living

Light Rail Map

Columbia City Lights the Way to Green Living

With residents just a short walk to high-speed transportation, farmer’s markets, parks and Columbia City’s rich diversity of restaurants and shops, Columbia City promises to be a mecca for Seattle urbanites living green.

In anticipation of the Light Rail opening in July, the area around the new Edmunds Street Light Rail station (located at Alaska St. and MLK Blvd) has transformed into an urban infill neighborhood of modern green homes, offering a low-impact lifestyle including car optional living.

Modern. Green. Artful

There are several green builders leading in this renaissance including local architect Tony Case and his company Case Design and Project Management. Case’s new construction projects in the Columbia City area are exclusively urban infill, Built-Green certified, and modern design.
Case adds to the community he works in by emphasizing stewardship towards the land which includes reducing the carbon footprint of his new homes and selecting materials that have a low impact on the environment. Case’s latest home project complete this June, Columbia City Green, combines contemporary craftsmanship with artful living, in both form and function.

Click here to learn more about Case Design + Project Management

Case says, “To complement our new homes and enhance the neighborhood, we are working with a group that will provide and maintain a small garden plot at each new home, as part of a Community Supported Agriculture program. So if you buy one of the homes, you get free veggies!”

As easy, fast transportation comes this summer to Seattle, commuters from all over the city can now connect with Columbia City to catch a movie, bike through Genesee Park, tour a green home, or dine out with the Beatwalk crowds for soulful music and art every first Friday of the month.

For more information on green homes contact Tony Case at 206.760.2961 or visit his open houses June 13th&14 at 4114 34th Ave S, 98118.