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Port Orchard releases preapproved ADU plans, aims for two-week permit turnaround
Summary
City staff said four preapproved accessory dwelling unit (ADU) plans are being finalized for public use and two larger plan types (carriage house and 1,000-sq-ft rambler) are in development; staff estimated a 600-sq-ft ADU permit could total about $5,700 excluding utility connection charges.
Port Orchard staff told the City Council May 27 that the city will make four preapproved accessory dwelling unit (ADU) plan sets available for online application and permitting, a step aimed at speeding construction of small detached or attached housing units.
Building staff said the first four plans approved by the building department include: a 480‑sq‑ft studio ADU; a 600‑sq‑ft, one‑bedroom plan; an 800‑sq‑ft one‑story two‑bedroom plan; and an 800‑sq‑ft two‑story two‑bedroom plan. The city is preparing application forms, a five‑page “how to” guide and an online permitting workflow; staff said the 600‑sq‑ft one‑bedroom plan carries a fee estimate of about $5,700, which includes permit fees and park and transportation impact fees but excludes separate utility charges for new service meters.
Two additional preapproved designs — a flex carriage house (garage with apartment above, available in 2‑car or 3‑car footprints) and a 1,000‑sq‑ft rambler (three bedrooms) — are being developed and expected later in the year; those plans will be configurable to lot shape and orientation. Staff said the city will provide guidance on what finish items permit holders may change and warned that significant plan changes would convert the plan into a custom permit that would require full plan review and standard permit fees.
Staff said the program is intended to speed permit issuance; if applicants submit a complete site plan that meets requirements, staff hopes to turn preapproved-plan permits around in approximately two weeks. The program is limited to urban growth areas; county and rural parcels are not included in the free plan distribution, staff said.
