Seattle City Council Lifts Micro-Apartment Restrictions

The Seattle City Council has approved lifting restrictions on residences related to the development of micro-apartments. Also known as congregate residences, co-living spaces or micro-apartments, include individual sleeping rooms that share common spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens, reported the Puget Sound Business Journal.

A decadeago, the City Council imposed a minimum unit size of 220 square feet on mini-units and added other requirements. Now, the council and Mayor Bruce Harrell have lifted these requirements as part of efforts to address the housing affordability crisis. The decision is the latest in a series of moves by city officials to support workforce housing and affordable residential developments.

Now, congregate residences can be permitted in all multi-family zones throughout the city, including in low-rise zones where they were prohibited. The state will require cities to allow micro-apartments in any urban growth area by the end of 2025.