It’s time for less talk, more RVs on Seattle’s private properties

Portland is showing up Seattle when it comes to innovative solutions to two crises — homelessness and housing affordability. It’s time for Seattle to show some initiative.

The City of Roses is suspending the enforcement of codes around RVs and tiny homes (with wheels) on private property. For now, people will be allowed to live in an RV or tiny home on private property.

Meanwhile, Seattle is stuck in limbo as it tries to approve everything from backyard cottages to other RV legislation.

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Portland Commissioner Chloe Eudaly has directed city staff to halt code enforcement, The Willamette Week reports. It removes red tape, allowing up to three RVs or tiny houses in parking lots of businesses or churches, and even government buildings — with permission. One vehicle will be allowed at a private residence.

Commissioner Eudaly told the Willamette Week:

We have failed to keep up with demand for decades … As commissioner of the Bureau of Development Services, who enforces these codes, I am happy to announce with the support of the mayor we will be suspending enforcement of tiny homes and RVs parked on private property effective immediately.

You hear that? “Failed to keep up with demand.” Sound familiar Seattle? There is not enough housing to handle the same need in Seattle.

Tough times call for tough measures. When $1,300 can only get you a 253-square-foot studio in Seattle, you can count a move like this among them.

Seattle’s rules for RVs and tiny homes

Seattle is sitting on a range of solutions right now from RV legislation to backyard cottages. But if temporary mayors can sign executive orders for cleaning up litter, altering Seattle’s juvenile detention system, or managing off-duty police work, then I’m sure a quick stroke of a pen can tackle these issues as well. Seattle homes can host a vehicle, parking lots can host more. Let property owners charge a couple hundred dollars in exchange.

The City of Seattle is more flexible when it comes to permitting churches that host RVs on their properties, or tents and even sheds. But it gets trickier with tiny homes and private residences. Under Seattle’s current code, tiny homes with wheels are considered vehicles just like RVs — they can be stored on private property, but not lived in. There is one loophole. An RV or tiny home can be lived in while on private property if it’s on an approved foundation.

What is an “approved foundation?” According to Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections, a foundation would need to meet the requirements for a new backyard cottage, which would need to take into account proximity to property lines. Building codes also require that those foundations meet fire safety requirements and be connected to water, sewer, and power.

That’s quite a few hoops to jump through just for a “vehicle” (mobile residence, really) — a vehicle that is already equipped with waste management. KIRO Radio’s Don O’Neill is dealing with Seattle’s red tape right now as he remodels his home. He wants to add a backyard dwelling — three permits and a year later and he’s no closer to getting the job done.

Seattle is working to modify its regulations on backyard cottages as a means of addressing the rental crisis. One such code holding them back: private property owners would have to provide one off-street parking space for people living in their backyard. Yet, developers in Seattle are not required to offer any parking for entire apartment complexes they are building. Where’s the logic in that?

The sad truth is that Seattle has been trying to modify the cottage codes for nearly two years and hasn’t gotten any closer to providing a solution. Councilmember Mike O’Brien is also pushing for new RV rules to allow the vehicles to remain on the street for extended periods of time.

The time for discussion is over. Rents are unaffordable. Homelessness is getting worse and experts cite lack of affordable housing as a main cause. Seattle has a choice: Allow cottages and RVs on private properties, or keep tents along the roadside and people in their cars.

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