Seattle New Pre-Approved Backyard Cottage Designs

Seattle Is Expanding Its Pre-Approved Backyard Cottage Design Program

Seattle homeowners may soon have even more options for building a backyard cottage.

The City of Seattle is currently accepting submissions from architects and designers for the next expansion of its ADUniverse program. Submissions are due July 15, 2026, and selected designs are expected to be announced in August.

Selected designers will then create full permit-ready plans for review by the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI). The new plans are anticipated to receive pre-approval in October, with the updated ADUniverse gallery launching in November 2026.

Seattle’s pre-approved plan program streamlines the permitting process and offers homeowners a variety of professionally designed backyard cottage options to consider. The upcoming expansion is expected to bring even more choices for homeowners interested in building a DADU.

Ballard Backyard Cottages will be following the program closely and sharing updates as the new designs are announced and added to the ADUniverse gallery later this year.

FAQs

Seattle's new pre-approved plans

When Will the New Plans Be Available

The City of Seattle expects the updated ADUniverse gallery to launch in November 2026. At that time, homeowners will be able to review the newly approved designs alongside the existing pre-approved plans.

When Will the New Plans Be Available

How many new backyard cottage designs will be added?

The City has not yet announced how many designs will be selected. The chosen concepts are expected to be announced in August 2026.

Why is Seattle adding more pre-approved DADU plans?

The goal is to give homeowners more design choices while helping streamline the design and permitting process for backyard cottages.

Does a pre-approved plan mean I can skip permitting?

No. Even when using a pre-approved design, your project must still be reviewed for your specific property, including utilities, site conditions, grading, trees, and other local requirements.

Can I still build a custom backyard cottage?

Absolutely. Pre-approved plans are just one option. Many homeowners choose a custom-designed DADU that is tailored to their lot, lifestyle, and long-term goals.

Seattle currently offers a variety of pre-approved backyard cottage plans through the ADUniverse program, giving homeowners a head start on the design and permitting process. While pre-approved plans can help simplify permitting and reduce design time, they are not the only path to building a DADU. Homeowners can also explore custom-designed backyard cottages tailored to their property and goals, as well as prefabricated and modular DADU options. Each approach has its own advantages, and the best choice depends on your lot, budget, timeline, and vision for the space.