Article posted: 1/5/2013 5:00 AM

Some communities allow a cottage out back

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A prefabricated cabin is used as a backyard artist studio in Pasadena, Calif. The Zip model by Cabin Fever in Miami is shipped flat and can be assembled in just a few days.

Associated Press/Cabin Fever, Gayle Zalduondo

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A prefabricated backyard studio under construction in Cabin Fever's manufacturing plant in Miami.

Associated Press/Cabin Fever, Tim Walker

Ben Staulcup and January Colacurcio and their two children, Leo and Francis, stand in front of their 800-square-foot backyard cottage in Seattle. The cottage was designed by Microhouse, a Seattle firm that specializes in the design and permitting of backyard cottages.

Associated Press/Microhouse, Bruce Parker

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Something small is afoot. Backyard cottages — from 800-square-foot bungalows to Lilliputian studio cabins — are springing up behind houses in many cities, some of which have changed zoning laws to accommodate them.