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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. If the ADU is part of a garage, then the garage regulations should be followed.
- 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.
Read more about the ADU regulations in the City's Land Development Code.
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