Gig Harbor planning commission narrows ADU rules, leans to bar short-term rentals and set one off‑street parking space per unit

Gig Harbor’s Planning Commission on Jan. 16 reviewed draft revisions to the city’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations prompted by recent state legislation and indicated a consensus to prohibit ADUs from being used as short‑term rentals and to require one off‑street parking space per ADU, with limited exceptions to be drafted by staff.

The planning commission discussion centered on how to align local rules with House Bill 1337 and related state requirements, how to define and size ADUs, whether ADUs may be used for short‑term rentals, and how to handle parking when lot size or site conditions make on‑site stalls difficult. Jeremy Hammer, senior planner, presented the draft changes and described the state law’s parking and size constraints. “The requirements for off‑street parking: the city may not require more than 1 off‑street parking [space] if the dwelling unit is on a lot smaller than 6,000 square feet and cannot require more than 2 off‑street parking spaces on a lot greater than 6,000,” Hammer said. Eric Baker, newly introduced community development director, said he welcomes working with the commission as the city manages growth pressures.

Why it matters: the state law increases the number and potential size of ADUs that jurisdictions must allow and gives cities limited discretion on use (including whether ADUs can…