One of the main topics of concern for our county is the “homeless” situation. Homeslessness can be caused, in part, simply because of the high cost of housing and rents, due to increased regulations. In Sequim proper, before you can even break ground for a house, there is a $20,000 fee to the City, raising the cost of that home by that much with nothing to show for it.
One county in Washington State is showing some innovation when it comes to more affordable housing. Cowlitz County commissioners recently made it easier to build cottage-sized secondary housing on their property.
The commissioners agreed to increase the size of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), and property owners can now build an extra home on their property up to 1,200 square feet. They also eliminated the 300-square-foot minimum size requirement, opening the door to tiny homes, as well.
Taking it one step further, they are allowing two ADU’s on a property, one that is attached to the main house, and one that is a detached dwelling.
In Clallam County, we could use some similar rule changes at the planning department level, along with fewer and less costly regulations, to help accommodate lower income folks, as well as family members who may not be able to afford a place otherwise.
And there are places like Redd’s Sheds on Highway 101 that sells buildings that could be easily converted to a nice living unit.
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