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Council approves changes to ADU rules to allow two units, condo sales and incentives to encourage builds
Summary
Snohomish County Council voted 5-0 to adopt ordinance 25-014, which revises accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations to allow up to two ADUs in specified zones, permit condo-style sales of ADUs and adds discretionary incentives to help ADUs fit on smaller sites.
The Snohomish County Council on March 19 approved ordinance 25-014 to revise the county code governing accessory dwelling units. The vote was 5-0.
Ryan Countryman, council staff, summarized the ordinance as adopting mandatory and discretionary changes intended to encourage ADU development. "Highlights include new allowances for housing and urban zones to have 2 ADUs either attached or detached," Countryman said. He also noted that the ordinance would allow the sale of ADUs as condominiums by removing the existing requirement that ADU ownership be in common with the principal unit.
The ordinance makes duplexes and attached single-family dwellings in urban zones eligible to have ADUs and includes incentives to help fit ADUs on smaller lots. The staff report and agenda packet contain the full text and planning commission recommended amendments that were incorporated into the ordinance.
Two members of the public testified in support. Natalie Reber, representing the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, said the changes "align with the Growth Management Act" and support housing affordability. Mike Appleby of Stanwood thanked staff and council members and said the revisions would expand homeownership and streamline permitting for builders and future homeowners.
After public testimony the council made the motion to approve; there was no further council debate on the ordinance and the roll-call vote was unanimous. The ordinance updates county code to expand permissible ADU forms and adjust ownership rules; specific implementation steps and timelines are in the county staff report.
