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Accessory Dwelling Units
What is an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)?
A habitable dwelling unit detached from a single-family dwelling, on a permanent frost free foundation, connected to sanitary sewer and water services, that provides basic requirements for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation and conforms to applicable building codes.
Rules
- ADU’s are listed as accessory structures in our Land Development Code.
- One ADU is allowed per lot, you can have up to 3 accessory structures on your lot.
- Churches and all residential zoning districts are allowed to have ADUs.
- ADUs are not subject to the 20% rental density restriction.
- ADUs do not count towards the allowed amount of lot coverage.
- ADUs can be located as part of a detached garage or can be their own separate structure.
- Limit on size: cannot exceed 50% of the gross floor area of the main home or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.
- Constructed to be compatible with the main home and neighborhood.
- Must be at least 10 feet from the main home.
- Parking is not required, but have to provide unrestricted, improved access must be provided from the street to the ADU entrance.
- Must have a kitchen, bathroom, sanitary and water services.
- The ADU or main home may be rented if the owner of the property lives resides on the property.
Application Process
To apply for an Accessory Dwelling Unit, a building permit is required. A set of building plans and a Certificate of Survey would be required.
Learn more about building permits and inspections
If you want to rent out an ADU and the requirements are met, a rental license can be obtained.
Learn more about rental licenses
Resources
Accessory Dwelling Units: Model State Act and Local Ordinance - AARP (PDF)
Making Big Sense of Small Homes - AARP
Knowledgebase Collection: Accessory Dwelling Units - American Planning Association
Model Code for Accessory Dwelling Units - American Tiny House Association
The Granny Flats Are Coming - CITYLAB
How One Colorado City Instantly Created Affordable Housing - CITYLAB
Accessory Dwelling Units - City of Austin, TX
Washington Just Advanced the Nation’s Best ADU Reform. Here’s Why It’ll Help. - Sightline Institute
Jump Starting the Benefits of ADUs in Minneapolis - Streets MN
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Mikayla Schmidt
City PlannerPhone: 507-645-3059