Buckley council debates draft ADU code changes including setbacks, duplex rules; approves minutes

Buckley City Council members, city staff and residents discussed a draft accessory dwelling unit (ADU) code at a council workshop, focusing on how many ADUs to permit, setbacks and whether duplex and townhouse lots should be allowed ADUs.

The discussion centered on a draft supplied by city staff that reflects recent state law changes. City staff said the draft allows up to two ADUs on any lot that permits a single-family residence and that condominium creation and recording for any ADU sale are governed by state law and recorded with the county.

The discussion mattered because ADU rules affect how much additional housing can be added across the city and which property types — single-family, duplex or townhouse lots — could include new units. Council members and residents raised concerns about privacy, parking, fire separation between structures, homeowners association restrictions and whether smaller infill lots or short plats would be likelier to add…