If you allow it……
and make the process straightforward, they will build it. With a housing shortage in Washington state, and the cost of housing still climbing, the State Legislature had to step in and offer directive to local municipalities. Here is the outcome.
Washington State allows homeowners in urban growth areas to build two accessory dwelling units (ADUs) per residential lot, including attached or detached units and conversions of existing structures. Key changes in state law include the removal of owner-occupancy requirements and a lack of minimum size restrictions, with the potential for units up to 1,000 square feet in size. ADUs must meet building code standards for habitable rooms and utilities, and the permitting process has been simplified with the introduction of pre-approved plans.
Key Aspects of Washington's ADU Laws
Two ADUs per Lot:
Fully planning cities and counties are required to allow two ADUs on any residential lot that already permits single-family homes within an urban growth area.
No Owner Occupancy Required:
Homeowners are no longer required to live on-site to build or rent out an ADU.
Size Flexibility:
There are no specific restrictions on the minimum or maximum size of an ADU, though they must meet building codes, and jurisdictions cannot set the size below 1,000 square feet.
Unit Types:
ADUs can be attached to the primary dwelling, be a detached structure, or be a conversion of an existing space, such as a garage or basement.
Ownership:
ADUs are allowed to be sold as independent units.
Simplified Permitting:
The state has introduced pre-approved building plans to streamline the permitting process.
This is one of the reasons I started my business. I was a planner, permit processor, code interpreter, and guide through the regs for many years. I can fully empathize with homeowners on getting lost and frustrated in the process.
Since I knew the regs, I wanted to test them. Now there is a Duplex DADU going in my backyard. These revisions are helpful.
