Adding Density to Existing Developments

As I've mentioned before, one of the most important elements of Seattle's new multi-family zoning code is that it removes mandatory requirements for parking within Urban Villages.  One project type that we're starting to see as a result is that apartment buildings owners (and buyers) are asking us to analyze properties looking for opportunities to fit more units on the site.  Under previous codes this would have been impossible, since every extra unit would have required the conjuring of an additional parking space.

This in-place densification creates incentives to preserve existing buildings in lieu of redeveloping the site and produces some extra income for the building owner.  Coincidentally, when you analyze a site looking for the bits of leftover development potential, you rarely discover opportunities to add units in prime locations.  More often, these projects tend to generate units in basements and other secondary locations. The upside?  The new apartments are generally more affordable compared with other units in the building.