Seattle council OKs larger tiny home villages

What's inside: The ordinance, which passed unanimously, allows tiny home villages and safe lots to house up to 150 people per site.

• That's up from a previous cap of 100 residents.
• The measure also allows one tiny home village with up to 250 residents.
• Encampments where most residents live in tents — rather than vehicles or tiny homes — will still be capped at 100 people.

What they're saying: Wilson has argued the legislation is needed to help the city make better use of limited shelter sites and move more people indoors.

• Her office previously called the 100-person cap an "extremely low limit" that is "out of step with national best practices."

Yes, but: The council made some changes to the mayor's initial proposal, including by setting minimum 24-hour staffing requirements for larger tiny home villages and requiring operators to submit public safety plans.

• "I have no interest in warehousing people," said City Councilmember Dan Strauss, who warned of that possibility if larger shelter sites lack adequate amenities and guardrails.

What's next: The mayor is expected to sign the legislation, which will expire after 12 months.

• The city will then work on permanent rules for larger tiny home villages and vehicle safe lots, which the City Council could consider in late 2027 or early 2028.