On February 13, Brittney Bollay from Sierra Club Seattle Group testified in support of SB5812, the Senate version of Washington's 2019 Accessory Dwelling Unit Bill: “This is a crucial bill and ADUs are a critical climate strategy. They give families flexibility and make it easier for more households to be car free and lower their environmental impact.”
On February 13, Brittney Bollay from Sierra Club Seattle Group testified in support of SB5812: “This is a crucial bill and ADUs are a critical climate strategy. They give families flexibility and make it easier for more households to be car free and lower their environmental impact.”
So, what is this bill all about?
Washington's 2019 Accessory Dwelling Unit Bill, HB 1797 and SB 5812, will allow Washington's neighborhoods to create modest, affordable housing choices like backyard cottages and mother-in-law apartments.
Why does this matter?
-
Affordability - High rent and home prices are driving people out of Washington's communities. The addition of Accessory Dwelling Units will help increase affordable housing options to keep communities and neighborhoods in tact.
-
Equity - Affordable housing options help provide equitable access to jobs, schools, public transportation, and green spaces.
-
Sustainability - Adding affordable housing options convenient to transit, jobs, school, and amenities helps prevent urban sprawl, decreases traffic and commute times, and tames infrastructure needs.
-
Energy Efficiency - ADUs are also compact by design, making them extremely energy efficient. They cut lifetime CO2 emissions by as much as 40% compared to regular single-family homes.
For more information, read Sightline Institute's memo.