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 | Aug 29, 2019
Code-conforming wood design guide available
The guide summarizes provisions for the use of wood and wood products in the 2018 IBC.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
LEED residential market up 19% since 2017
The U.S. Green Building Council says that the LEED residential market has grown 19% since 2017. Nearly 500,000 single family, multifamily, and affordable housing units have been certified globally.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Slower speed limits in urban areas offer multiple benefits
Improved safety, better adoption of electric scooters and autonomous vehicles are possible if drivers ease off the accelerator.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Renewables creating significant savings for commercial and public facilities
Payback ranges from five to 15 years.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Oregon rescinds tsunami-zone construction ban
Other states have no ban, but have strengthened building codes for tidal wave resilience.
Urban Planning | Aug 27, 2019
Pop-up parks revitalize empty lots
Pop-up parks that provide instant open areas for public use and programming can revitalize under-utilized spaces and add vibrancy to neighborhoods.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
Texas flood prevention initiative would create nation’s most ambitious barrier system
Plan including sand dunes and mechanical barriers would cost as much as $32 billion.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
Multimedia app identifies construction hazards
Researchers say program will reduce injuries, save lives.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
Cities take action to keep cool as climate heats up
Initiatives include cool streets, cool roofs, and broader urban tree canopy.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
5G expected to give a boost to construction technology
Virtual reality, Internet of Things, robotics, and drones will all benefit from enhanced data flows.
