Seattle homeowners will soon have more options when it comes to building a backyard cottage. The City of Seattle has announced 15 new pre-approved housing designs as part of its expanded ADUniverse 2.0 program, with plans expected to become available in January 2027.
The new collection represents a significant expansion of Seattle’s original pre-approved backyard cottage program, introducing a wider variety of architectural styles, floor plans, and housing configurations.
In September 2026, a panel of local architects, designers, and city officials selected 15 designs from 110 submissions, along with five honorable mentions.
The selected designs range from individual backyard cottages to larger residential configurations, including duplexes, townhomes, and stacked flats.
Homes ranging from studios to three bedrooms
Single-story and multi-story configurations
Accessible floor plans designed to support aging in place
Flexible layouts for different property sizes and housing needs
Options ranging from one to six residential units
Pre-approved plans can simplify permitting, reduce design costs, and help homeowners get their projects underway sooner. [Learn more about the benefits of pre-approved backyard cottage plans.]
Learn more about the pre approved plans.
Whether you’re planning a rental property, creating space for family, or exploring ways to make better use of your property, Seattle’s expanding collection of pre-approved designs offers more possibilities than ever.
At Ballard Backyard Cottages, we help Seattle homeowners explore their options and turn backyard cottage plans into finished living spaces.
Thinking about building a backyard cottage? Contact Ballard Backyard Cottages to discuss your property and the possibilities.
