Title
Amendment to Olympia Municipal Code Relating to Accessory Dwelling Units
Issue:
The Olympia Municipal Code treats accessory dwelling units (ADU) as distinct residences subject to City utility charges. Based on an analysis of drinking water consumption and wastewater and stormwater generation, these charges may not be warranted.
Committee Recommendation:
The Utility Advisory Committee considered financial as well as equity implications of the current OMC. The Committee supports the City Manager’s recommendation.
City Manager’s Recommendation:
Move to approve on first reading and forward to second reading the proposed ordinance amending the Olympia Municipal Code to eliminate separate utility accounts for accessory dwelling units.
Staff Contact:
Diane Utter P.E., Water Resources Engineer, Public Works, 360.753.8562
Andy Haub P.E., Planning and Engineering Manager, Public Works, 360.753.8475
Presenter(s):
None
Background and Analysis:
As defined by the Olympia Municipal Code (OMC), ADUs refer to dwelling units that have been added to, created within, or separated from a single-family detached dwelling for use as a complete independent living unit with provisions for cooking, eating, sanitation, and sleeping. ADUs are commonly small houses in the back yard of existing homes.
Several recent inquiries by residences with ADUs have prompted staff and the City’s Utility Advisory Committee to reconsider policies and codes for ADU utility charges.
The unusual nature of ADUs creates potential equity issues relative to utility charges as well as administrative challenges for the City. ADUs may be occupied by family members, renters, businesses, or not at all. They could help families support other family members in need or they could be revenue-generating apartments. Unique to this type of housing, ADUs can be readily decommissioned and converted to other uses by the removal of cooking appliances. We are aware of approximately 80 ADUs in the City.
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