To the Editor:
On August 20th, during a Discussion item where no public comment is allowed, the Snohomish City Council voted in favor of going forward requiring separate water/sewer lines to the city street for any new “detached” Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Councilwoman Karen Guzak led the argument for separate lines, vastly increasing the cost of truly affordable and middle housing, contrary to the City’s own stated Strategic Plan goals.
Currently, the City allows a detached ADU to share water/sewer lines with the principal unit. The owner/landlord pays full-fare for the water/sewer consumption from his ADU tenant.
There is no extra cost to City Public Works as the owner/landlord previously paid in full for the connection fees to the city street for the principal unit and is responsible for the costs and maintenance of the shared water/side-sewer lines.
A Tiny Home or ADU cottage kit costs between $10,000 to $20,000 to build, whereas separate water/sewer lines to the street cost $40,000 or more.
Contrary to the city council’s hypocritical decision to increase the costs of truly affordable housing, the City Planning Commission wisely voted to recommend ADU rentals be allowed to share water/sewer lines until they are sold separately via a short-plat unit lot subdivision.
The City Council should reverse its foolish August 20th decision.
Morgan Davis
Snohomish
