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State rule requires manufactured homes be allowed as ADUs; Buckley staff outline constraints and seek attorney advice
Summary
Council reviewed RCW language (quoted in packet as RCW3521684) requiring manufactured homes be allowed as accessory dwelling units; staff said the city can require foundations and design standards applied equally, noted packet ADU-size guidance (1,250 sq ft), and will seek a city-attorney opinion on setbacks and separation enforcement.
Staff told council state law (packet quote: RCW3521684) prevents ordinances that effectively discriminate against manufactured homes used as accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The planner said local options remain: require a permanent foundation, apply local design standards equally to ADUs and primary homes, and require compliance with dimensional standards (setbacks, lot coverage, building separation).
The packet listed a proposed ADU size (1,250 square feet) and staff said the council could choose a smaller upper limit (1,200 square feet was discussed). Mr. Farnsworth noted a related bill (House Bill 1337) that affects ADU design-standard rules: municipalities cannot require ADU-only design guidelines without similar standards for single-family residences.
Council raised safety and separation concerns — whether a manufactured home could be sited on an existing lot even if separation/setback requirements were not met. Staff said they would seek an opinion from the city attorney on how separation and setback rules apply and whether additional, neutral reasons could be required for denial. Staff also noted they can require new manufactured ADUs to be new units and to meet all local development standards.
No change to code was adopted at the meeting; staff will follow up with city-attorney guidance and incorporate any clarifications in the revised packet for adoption.
