#The Snohomish County Council last month updated the rules to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in more settings through Ordinance 25-014.
#Accessory Dwelling Units are smaller housing units that sit on the same property as the primary residence. They can be attached like an apartment or detached like an in-law suite.
#Past decisions on ADUs stated that only properties with single family homes were allowed ADUs and their architecture must match the main house.
#The new rules allow for more types of properties to have ADUs in the urban areas of the county. Outside of just single family homes, now duplexes and townhouses are afforded the right to have ADUs on their property. The new rules also loosen other restrictions, including to match the architectural appearance to the main house.
#County Councilwoman Megan Dunn proposed these changes because she believes we need to increase housing options at all levels.
#“I have been hearing from constituents in the urban areas of the county who are thrilled to hear that they now have the opportunity to build an ADU to support an aging parent or a child who is ready for their own separate space,” Dunn said. “Home ownership is important for building wealth and stability in the community.”
#The Snohomish County housing market is in turmoil due to low inventory and high buyer demand. 64.8% of homes on the market have accepted offers in the first 30 days. Average sale prices of homes in the county have reached over $800,000 and homes are selling quickly and creating a disproportionate and abnormal low supply of new listings.
#“An expansion of ADU opportunities will allow for gentle density and protect against economic displacement of families who may otherwise not be able to afford to move to a new home,” Dunn said.
#Chris Collier, program manager for the Alliance for Housing Affordability at Housing Authority of Snohomish County (HASCO), celebrates the passage of this ordinance because it generates opportunities for both ownership and rental tenancy.
#“ADUs create options — for one-off cash for an owner that has an ADU converted into a condominium and sold, or an owner/landlord in the form of rental income,” Collier said. “American housing is in sore need of more options, Washington state being no exception.”
#Single family homes and duplexes can now have up to two ADUs on their property. Townhomes are only allowed one. Homeowners are no longer subject to the same architectural requirements as their primary dwelling. This affords them flexibility in their designs and their number of units.
#The sizing and placement of ADUs have also been adjusted to be more inclusive. They can be closer to property lines and garage units can now be converted into ADUs.
#Implementing more ADUs harbors many difficulties.
#“Construction projects are hard, and fail, for many reasons. Navigating that becomes the responsibility of the owner (even if an industry emerges of ‘We’ll build an ADU for you, start to finish,’ the buck stops with the owner),” Collier said. “That can be intimidating and stop people from pursuing this new option.”
#Dunn believes encouraging this type of infill development in urban areas is critical to meet the need for housing and manage urban growth while protecting open spaces and lands.
