The intent of this chapter is to facilitate the placement of ADUs to develop additional housing opportunities in lower density residential areas within the city. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is intended to allow a property owner the ability to care for family members, provide a means of increasing the supply of affordable housing, and provide a source of supplemental income for property owners. (Ord. 2140 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025; Ord. 2043 § 1 (Att. B), 2021; Ord. 1317 § 3, 1998).

A. Repealed by Ord. 2140.

B. The primary dwelling unit shall be a legally permitted or legal nonconforming residential housing unit for the applicable zone, such as but not limited to a single-family structure, duplex, triplex, or townhome structure.

C. A home occupation may be permitted in either the primary residential unit or the ADU, but not in both unless ownership is segregated.

D. A property that contains an accessory dwelling unit shall not be subdivided but may be segregated in ownership from the principal dwelling unit, such as condoization.

E. Existing legally permitted detached accessory structures may be converted into an ADU. (Ord. 2140 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025; Ord. 2043 § 1 (Att. B), 2021; Ord. 1317 § 3, 1998).

The development standards listed below are general standards that apply to all ADUs. See the applicable zoning district regulations within Chapter 19.51 FMC for zoning district development restrictions and requirements.

A. Up to two ADUs are permitted on a legal lot of record, if the lot meets the minimum development standards for the zone. For lots below the minimum lot size for the applicable zone, one attached ADU is permitted. Duplexes, triplexes and townhome structures are limited to a single ADU.

B. Existing single-family homes within the industrial zone that are below the minimum lot size are limited to one ADU; however, this ADU can be attached or detached in nature.

C. Each individual ADU shall be no larger than 1,000 square feet.

D. The ADU shall include, at a minimum, kitchen, bathroom and sleeping facilities.

E. The ADU shall have a setback an equal or greater distance from the front and interior property lines as shown in the development standards for the applicable zone.

F. Utilities for the accessory dwelling unit shall be metered jointly with the primary dwelling unit.

G. The ADU shall be set on a permanent foundation. Park model manufactured homes and tiny homes on wheels are not allowed as an ADU unless they are affixed to a permanent foundation and have been inspected to meet the currently adopted residential building code.

H. Attached ADUs constructed within existing legally permitted spaces may be larger than 1,000 square feet provided they are still smaller than the principal residence, with the community development director’s approval. (Ord. 2140 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025; Ord. 2043 § 1 (Att. B), 2021; Ord. 1317 § 3, 1998).

A. Minimum Design Standards. An ADU shall be designed and constructed to maintain the architectural design, style, appearance and single-family character of the primary residence and property. In order to meet this requirement, an ADU shall, at a minimum:

1. Be equal to or less than the height of the applicable zoning designation, or 24 feet, whichever is smaller;

2. An attached ADU is allowed to share the same entrance as the primary dwelling unit. (Ord. 2140 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025; Ord. 2043 § 1 (Att. B), 2021; Ord. 1317 § 3, 1998).

A. Application. The property owner shall submit a building permit and an ADU application, on forms adopted by the director. The building permit application and required plans must demonstrate that all applicable size thresholds and design standards will be met. The ADU application will be supplied by the director.

B. Repealed by Ord. 2140.

C. Certificate of Occupancy. A certificate of occupancy for an ADU is required. (Ord. 2140 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025; Ord. 2043 § 1 (Att. B), 2021; Ord. 1317 § 3, 1998).

For the purpose of calculating school, traffic and park impact fees as well as water and sewer utility general facility charges, an accessory dwelling unit shall be considered as one-half of a single-family residence. Impact fees shall be paid prior to the issuance of a building permit, unless deferred as allowed in FMC Title 20. (Ord. 2140 § 2 (Exh. B), 2025; Ord. 2043 § 1 (Att. B), 2021).