Filing procedures and processing

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) shall be subject to the following filing and processing procedures:

• • A. ADUs which meet the applicability criteria established in this chapter and meet all zoning requirements shall be reviewed and decided administratively. Applications shall be filed as a building permit through the city's online permitting system.

  • B. ADUs located within the historic district that modify or expand the exterior of an existing principal or accessory structure, or a new detached ADU shall be subject to a certificate of appropriateness review by the historic district commission.

  • C. In cases where the ADU is proposed in a non-conforming structure, the following applies:

    • 1. An ADU proposed entirely within the shell of the existing non-conforming structure is exempt from section 17.109.010.C., Special Use Permits and section 17.109.020.F, Special Use Permit Criteria, Category 6.

    • 2. Where an expansion of the footprint of the existing non-conforming structure (e.g., adding a floor) is proposed to accommodate an ADU, it is considered to create a new non-conforming element and therefore subject to the variance process as established in Chapter 17.108, Variances and Modifications.

  • D. ADUs are allowed as part of applications for new primary dwelling units or subdivisions. For proposed ADUs that are part of a larger development proposal, such ADUs shall not count toward density of the proposal for purposes of limiting the number of dwelling units allowed in such development proposal.

  • E. ADUs legally established under this chapter shall not be required to be disassembled or the permit status revoked, upon transfer of title or occupancy.

(Ord. No. 2024-27, § 1, 8-28-2024)