Title
Summary of Accessory Dwelling Unit Program
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Briefing only. No action requested.
Report
Issue:
In 2020, the committee discussed a number of changes to promote accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as an alternative housing option that is typically more affordable than single-family houses and many apartments. Staff will provide an update on implementation of these changes.
Staff Contact:
Leonard Bauer, Director, Community Planning and Development, 360.753.8206
Presenter(s):
Leonard Bauer, Director, Community Planning and Development
Background and Analysis:
ADUs have been permitted uses in most residential areas of Olympia for approximately 25 years. However, the permits issued for ADUs have been typically between 5-10 in a single year. The stakeholder work group reviewing missing middle housing types in 2017 identified several regulatory and financing hurdles that have contributed to a low number of ADUs being constructed. These included height restrictions, hookup charges, impact fees, building code restrictions, fire sprinkler requirements, and the lending institutions' requirements to finance construction through traditional housing mortgages.
Based on that input, and succeeding discussions, the Land Use and Environment Committee (LUEC) has focused on three areas in which the City can consider changes to improve the likelihood of ADUs being constructed in Olympia:
* Zoning and building regulations
* Infrastructure requirements
* Providing pre-approved building plans
Zoning and Building Regulations
The City Council first addressed zoning regulations of ADUs when it adopted the Missing Middle Ordinance (Ordinance No. 7160) November 13, 2018. However, that ordinance was later invalidated by the Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board. The City has appealed the Board's decision to Thurston County Superior Court.
After the 2019 WA Stat...
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