A.

Provide homeowners with a means of obtaining through tenants in either the ADU or principal unit, rental income, companionship, security, and services.

B.

Add affordability options to the existing housing base.

C.

Allow for development of housing units in residential zoning districts that are appropriate for people at a variety of life stages.

D.

Protect neighborhood stability, property values, and the residential appearance of the community by ensuring ADUs are installed under conditions of this ordinance.

(Ord. No. 2012-11-905, 11-26-2012; Ord. No. 2023-12-1155, § 1, 12-20-2023)

The accessory dwelling unit (ADU) overlay shall apply to all residential zoning districts.

An ADU may be allowed where an existing structure is non-conforming.

(Ord. No. 2012-11-905, 11-26-2012)

A.

Configuration. An ADU may be located either within, attached to, or detached from the primary structure.

B.

Density. Up to three ADUs may be created in conjunction with each single-family residence, as follows: Up to two ADUs in RL, R1 and R2, and up to three in R3. In the C district, up to three ADUs may be created if not facing a commercial street.

C.

Minimum lot size. An ADU shall not be established on any parcel smaller than two thousand square feet. Note: site size and configuration must accommodate all parking and other development standards in addition to meeting the minimum lot size requirement.

D.

Maximum unit size. The gross floor area, calculated from finished wall to finished wall, of existing structures, additions, or new detached structures, converted to, or constructed for the purpose of creating ADUs shall not exceed one hundred percent of the gross floor area of the primary single family structure, not including garage and/or detached accessory buildings. A maximum of two bedrooms may be provided in an ADU. If the accessory unit is completely located on a single floor, the planning administrator may allow increased size in order to efficiently use all floor area, so long as all other standards set forth in this section are met.

E.

Minimum unit size. The gross floor area of an ADU shall not be less than two hundred square feet even if this exceeds the maximum requirement in [subsection] (D) above, or as otherwise established by the requirements of the city Adopted Building Code.

F.

Setbacks and lot coverage. Additions to existing structures, or the construction of new detached structures, associated with the establishment of an ADU shall not exceed the allowable lot coverage or encroach into required setbacks as prescribed in the underlying zone. The applicable setbacks shall be the same as those prescribed for the primary structure, not those prescribed for detached accessory structures unless a variance is requested and approved. The ADU shall be oriented in a way that considers and maintains the privacy of residents in adjacent or adjoining dwellings to a practical extent.

G.

Scale and visual subordination. The development of the parcel will maintain the character and appearance of a single family residential use. New detached structures, or additions to existing structures, created for the purpose of establishing ADU, shall not comprise more than sixty percent of the total front elevation of visible structure, including the combined ADU and primary unit. This standard does not apply for internal conversions of existing structures.

H.

Parking. Additional on-site parking of one space is required in conjunction with the establishment of an ADU in RL, R-1 and R-2 zones. One-half space is required per ADU in R-3 and C zones, but a minimum of one space is required.

The off-street parking requirements set forth in Chapter 17.72 shall be maintained for the primary residence. Spaces provided to serve the ADU shall be dedicated to that purpose and must be kept open and available for use by residents and guests of the ADU. Assigned parking in remote lots, including approved joint use parking under binding agreements, may be substituted for the required off-street parking if they are within 200 feet of the subject property.

I.

Access. The driveway serving the ADU shall be the same driveway serving the principal dwelling unless special approval is granted by planning commission based on findings that a separate driveway to the ADU can be accommodated while maintaining consistency with the intent of this section and all other review criteria.

J.

Construction standards. The design and construction of the ADU shall conform to all applicable standards in the building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire, health and any other applicable codes.

K.

Accessibility. To encourage the development of housing units for people with disabilities, the building official may allow reasonable deviation from the stated requirements to install features that facilitate accessibility. Such facilities shall be in conformance with the International Building Code.

(Ord. No. 2012-11-905, 11-26-2012; Ord. No. 2023-12-1155, § 1, 12-20-2023)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 2023-12-1155, § 1, adopted Dec. 20, 2023, repealed § 17.64.040, which pertained to review process for ADUs and derived from Ord. No. 2012-11-905, 11-26-2012.