Seattle City Council sees co-living spaces as solution to housing shortage

SEATTLE – The city authorities are considering expanding the offer of collective housing, which could significantly reduce the living costs of residents by promoting shared living spaces.

A proposal to lift restrictions introduced by the City Council about a decade ago is gaining popularity among those seeking solutions to the city’s financial crisis.

Council member Tammy Morales is a key advocate of the co-living initiative. In these collective spaces, residents share common areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Bedrooms are rented individually and have locks. They can also be small — at least 70 square feet.

Supporters of the approach say it could make living in Seattle more affordable, especially for those struggling with the city’s high rent prices.

The concept is being discussed by the City Council, but it’s not necessarily new. Examples of such apartments already exist in neighborhoods like Ballard. The Karsti Apartments on NW 59th Street offer 52 units, each less than 200 square feet, some with mezzanines for sleeping. Residents share amenities like cooking lounges, a fitness center, a movie theater and outdoor seating.

The proposed regulations would not change the current zoning code, but would target specific areas across the city, allowing for more developments like Karsti Apartments. Proponents of the regulations emphasize the potential savings for residents. Current market rates for co-living spaces in Seattle range from $850 to $900 per month for a bedroom, which is significantly less than the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Seattle is about $2,000 a month, $500 more than the national average, according to a recent report from Zumper.

Discussions on the bill are still in their early stages, and a vote has not yet been scheduled.

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