Chapter 20.92
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS1
Sections:
20.92.054 Neighborhood notification.
20.92.057 Application requirements.
20.92.058 Accessory dwelling unit built within existing accessory building.
20.92.064 Utility billing and connection charges.
20.92.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to:
A. Create affordable housing units;
B. Allow related people to live in close proximity while maintaining separate dwelling units;
C. Provide homeowners with a means of companionship and security;
D. Provide increased choice of housing for a variety of lifestyles, including young families and retirees;
E. Increase density in order to better utilize existing streets, utilities, transit, and other public infrastructure; and
F. Ensure that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are designed so as not to destabilize neighborhoods or lower property values. (Ord. 1894 § 1, 2015; Ord. 1504 § 1, 2001).
20.92.050 Where permitted.
ADUs shall be permitted in the RS residential zones when all the ADU requirements are met. (Ord. 1894 § 2, 2015; Ord. 1558 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1504 § 1, 2001).
20.92.054 Neighborhood notification.
Prior to issuance of the final decision on an ADU application, the city shall notify the neighbors within 300 feet (plus any right-of-way widths, with the exception of SR 167) of the proposed ADU site. The applicant shall supply the names and addresses of all legal property owners as listed in either the King County or Pierce County assessor’s offices. The applicant shall supply the necessary envelopes and stamps for the notification of adjacent property owners. (Ord. 1894 § 3, 2015; Ord. 1558 § 1, 2003).
20.92.056 Neighborhood response.
Repealed by Ord. 1894. (Ord. 1558 § 1, 2003).
20.92.057 Application requirements.
A complete application for an accessory dwelling unit permit shall consist of:
A. The name, address, phone number and e-mail address of the applicant;
B. The address and legal description of the subject property;
C. Title report or other proof of ownership of the property;
D. Plans at a scale of one inch equals 10 feet, one inch equals 20 feet, or one inch equals 30 feet;
E. Dimension and shape of lot with adjacent street names;
F. Adjacent street improvements, ingress and egress;
G. Existing water courses, wetlands, utility lines, structures, rockeries, or other relevant manmade or natural features;
H. The location of required parking spaces;
I. Elevation plans of the existing primary dwelling unit and of the proposed new dwelling unit;
J. The permit fee. (Ord. 1894 § 5, 2015).
20.92.058 Accessory dwelling unit built within existing accessory building.
An accessory dwelling unit may be built within or added to any existing accessory building built prior to July 31, 2001; provided, that the existing accessory building is set back at least five feet from the rear and side property line of the subject lot. In addition, any expansion to the foundation of the existing accessory building must conform to the setback requirements pertaining to the principal building. No accessory dwelling unit may be built within or added to any existing accessory building under this section unless it also complies with all of the requirements for accessory dwelling units in this chapter. (Ord. 1952 § 28, 2017).
20.92.060 Design standards.
Accessory dwelling units shall meet the following standards for approval:
A. Be on the same lot as a larger, principal dwelling unit, whether attached to it or detached;
B. The size of an attached or detached ADU shall meet all of the following requirements:
1. Contain no more than 45 percent of the floor area of the principal dwelling if located in the principal residence. Garage and staircase areas shall not be included in the calculations.
2. Shall be no more than 800 square feet if detached from the principal dwelling and located within the RS-6 (single-family residential, 6,000 square feet) zoning district.
3. Shall be no more than 1,000 square feet if detached from the principal dwelling and located within the RS-11 (single-family residential, 11,000 square feet) zoning district.
4. If attached to the principal dwelling, the ADU shall be no greater than 45 percent of the principal dwelling or have a floor area of 800 square feet whichever is the smaller area;
C. Be equipped with two off-street parking spaces if the ADU has two bedrooms and one off-street parking space if the ADU has one bedroom or it is a studio ADU. These spaces shall be in addition to the spaces required for the principal dwelling unit;
D. Be allowed only so long as the owner or contract purchaser of the lot resides in the accessory or principal dwelling unit;
E. Meet all building, electrical, fire, plumbing and other applicable code requirements;
F. Be designed to maintain the appearance of the existing single-family residence;
G. Be consistent with the color, roof pitch, siding and windows of the principal residence, whether the accessory dwelling unit is attached or detached;
H. The ADU entrances shall be on the side or rear of the building, not visible from the street;
I. The maximum height of an ADU shall be 25 feet. (Ord. 1894 § 7, 2015; Ord. 1504 § 1, 2001).
20.92.064 Utility billing and connection charges.
Utility billing and connection charges shall be based upon the number of dwelling units serviced, whether the ADU is a standalone structure or connected to the main residence. (Ord. 1558 § 1, 2003).
20.92.070 Deed restriction.
The property owner shall record with the appropriate county recording office a notarized deed restriction. Such deed restriction shall be in a form specified by the director, and shall include the restrictions and limitations contained in this chapter and any further conditions attached to the accessory dwelling unit permit. The property owner shall submit proof that the deed restriction has been recorded prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy. (Ord. 1894 § 8, 2015; Ord. 1504 § 1, 2001).
Code reviser’s note: Ordinance 1504 adds these provisions as Chapter 20.84. The chapter has been editorially renumbered to prevent duplication of numbering.