The Seattle City Council passed new rules that new studio apartments in the city must measure at least 220 sf and contain at least two sinks.
Smaller “congregate units,” bedroom-sized apartments built in clusters with shared kitchens, will be allowed only in the city’s densest neighborhoods. These units may be as small as 70 sf as long as they come with a shared kitchen, usually for two to eight tandem units.
Developers opposed the law, saying it will make micro-apartments more expensive to build. Builders and some other proponents of high-density development argued that micro-apartment construction could help Seattle combat its housing-affordability crisis by boosting the city’s overall housing supply.
A popular city for recent college graduates, Seattle developers have tailored projects for this market in recent years. Multifamily builders have designed high-density housing projects with tiny units and shared common spaces, like game rooms and rooftop decks.
(http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2024716220_microapartmentsxml.html)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 4, 2018
Action on building codes would spur low-carbon cities
Faster retrofit cycles, increased energy-efficiency requirements for existing buildings needed.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2018
Best solution to prevent California wildfire disasters: Stop building in places likely to burn
Approach would be unpopular as people attracted to stunning wooded landscapes.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2018
USGBC and BRE form partnership
Two green standards groups will collaborate on standards, platforms, and research.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2018
Parking garages in N.Y. State will have to be inspected every three years
Professional engineer must assess conditions.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2018
To build water-efficient cities, water managers and urban planners must coordinate better
Lack of time and resources, and practitioners not in habit of working together hamper efforts.
Codes and Standards | Nov 27, 2018
AAMA updates specification for roller assemblies in sliding doors, and lift and slide doors
Last update was in 2015.
Codes and Standards | Nov 26, 2018
All LEED-certified buildings eligible for LEED recertification
Projects must submit 12 months of data demonstrating continued or improved performance.
Codes and Standards | Nov 20, 2018
OSHA publishes updates to crane operator certification requirements
Long-delayed rules accept certifications by type or type and capacity.
Codes and Standards | Nov 19, 2018
Guide offers understanding of elements that create successful multi-floor communal spaces
CTBUH technical document analyzes how to approach tall urban habitat.
Codes and Standards | Nov 16, 2018
2018 International Green Construction Code released
Updated version helps governments streamline code development and adoption.