A. Purpose: Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are intended to increase the supply of affordable and independent housing for a variety of households, provide supplemental earnings for people with limited incomes, and increase residential densities with minimal cost and disruption to existing neighborhoods. This should occur by utilizing the existing infrastructure and community resources while protecting the existing character of single- family neighborhoods.
B. Procedures: Any owner/occupant seeking to establish an ADU shall apply for approval in accordance with the following:
1. Application: The owner/occupant shall apply for a building permit for an ADU. A complete application form must demonstrate that all size thresholds and design standards are met.
2. Notice Of Title: Prior to occupancy of the ADU, the owner shall record a notice on the property title acknowledging the existence of the ADU with the Pierce County auditor. Such notice shall be in a form as specified by the city and shall include as a minimum:
a. The legal description of the property which has been approved for an ADU;
b. The applicability of the restrictions and limitations contained in this section;
c. A copy of the city approved floor/site plan; and
d. The property owner's signature on the notice. The signature shall be notarized prior to recording the notice.
C. General Requirements: The creation of an ADU shall be subject to the following general requirements:
1. Number: A maximum of one ADU shall be allowed per lot of record as an accessory use in conjunction with any detached single-family dwelling.
2. Lot Standards:
a. An attached ADU shall be permitted on all parcels containing single- family homes where the lot is at least three thousand two hundred (3,200) square feet in size.
b. Both attached and detached ADUs shall be permitted on all parcels containing single-family homes, provided lots are at least four thousand three hundred fifty six (4,356) square feet in size.
3. Type Of Unit:
a. An ADU shall be permitted as a second, subordinate dwelling unit attached to, or detached from the principal dwelling.
b. A detached ADU may be any dwelling permitted in the applicable land use classification.
c. A recreational vehicle or mobile home shall be not used as an ADU.
4. Size: An ADU shall be no greater than one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet.
5. Parking: One (1) off-street parking space is required for an ADU up to seven hundred (700) square feet in size. For ADUs greater than seven hundred (700) square feet in size two (2) off-street parking spaces are required.
6. Design: An ADU shall be designed to maintain the appearance of the principal dwelling as a single-family residence.
a. The entrance to an attached ADU shall not be directed towards any front yard unless utilizing an existing doorway.
b. Detached ADUs shall be no closer to the front lot line than the front face of the principal dwelling. This provision shall not apply to waterfront lots regulated pursuant to the city shoreline management program.
c. New construction of a detached ADU or conversion of an existing detached structure to an ADU shall not be permitted within the required front, side or rear yard setback as outline in section 13-5-1, table 1. An exception to the required rear yard setback may be allowed if the rear yard abuts an alley.
d. If an ADU is created by constructing a new detached structure, the building height of the ADU shall not be greater than the principal dwelling's building height or twelve feet (12') measured from the ground to the top plate, whichever is less. The roof pitch may not exceed that of the principal dwelling.
e. If an ADU is created by adding on to or converting an existing detached structure, the height shall not exceed the principal dwelling's building height.
f. An ADU shall have similar facade, roof pitch and siding to the principal dwelling unit. (Ord. 792, 7-29-2004; amd. Ord. 2019-1053, 11-25-2019; Ord. 2021-1073, 3-10-2021)