In an effort to streamline the permitting process for homeowners who want to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on their property, the cities of Olympia, Tumwater and Lacey have teamed up with the local architect firm, Artisans Group, to design currently four ADU plans. This takes the cost of the design work out and since the building plans are pre-approved, the permitting process is streamlined because the city will just need to approve the site.
What is an ADU?
An ADU is an accessory dwelling unit on a permanent foundation. The ADU is built to the same standards as a single-family home. It is not a tiny house on wheels or a trailer.
How do I get free ADU building plans?
If you live within the city limits of Olympia, Tumwater or Lacey, you can contact a city planner to see if your property could support an ADU. If so, then you’ll get a set of plans (these are not the final building plans) that you can use to start getting bids. Once your project is approved, then you’ll get the actual building plans to use to start your build.
What are the steps to building an ADU?
First, if you live in a neighborhood that is governed by covenants and a homeowner’s association, you’ll want to check with them first to research if ADUs are allowed.
If allowed, then your next step is going to a city planner and have them look up your property. The planner will be able to give you an idea if an ADU is even possible. If things look good and you are interested in one of their approved plans, then they will give you the plans so that you can start your feasibility of getting bids, lining up contractors, getting financing, if needed, and then, of course, working with the city to get your site approved.
What type of requirements do the cities have for ADUs?
Generally, cities will look to see if the property is zoned appropriately for a potential ADU. Is there enough room for the proper setbacks from the main house and property lines? How will stormwater be managed? Are there environmental issues that need to be addressed such as wetlands or slopes?
What are the ADU requirements?
Each city will have its specific requirements but in general:
There will be a limit to the size of the ADU. For the city of Lacey, the size is limited to 850 square feet or one-half the size of the main house, whichever is smaller. If the main house is 1,200 square feet, the largest ADU that could be on the property would be 600 square feet.
There can be one ADU per lot with a single-family home.
The ADU will need to have at least an off-street parking spot.
The ADU will need to have pedestrian access to the unit, in other words, a walkway to the unit.
The ADU will also need to be positioned on the lot and built for privacy for the occupant as well as the neighbors. Fencing may need to be installed or the design of the ADU may be as such that the windows aren’t facing directly into another structure, for example.
How much do ADUs cost to build?
Of course, the cost to build can vary as there are many factors including the site work that needs to be done to the finishes used for the ADU but the rough estimate is about $150,000 to $200,000.
In a town meeting last year, the City of Lacey touted their ADU permit fees were discounted to about $1,600, which is a huge discount. In comparison, permitting a standard-sized house is $20,000 or more.
What options are available to finance the building of an ADU?
Common financing options are securing a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), a Home Equity Loan or doing a cash-out refinance. Contact your current mortgage company or ask me for my list of local lenders who can help.