How to Get Your ADU Approved by Your City
If you're a homeowner in the City of Seattle looking to increase your living space or generate additional income, building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on your property can be a great option. However, the process of getting your ADU approved can be complex and time-consuming. In this blog post, we'll provide you with some tips on how to get your ADU approved by the City of Seattle.
Check if your property is eligible on ADUniverse
The first step in getting your ADU approved is to check if your property is eligible. Seattle's land use code has certain requirements that need to be met for a property to be eligible for an ADU. These include things like minimum lot size, maximum unit size, and parking requirements. You can check your property's eligibility on aduniverse-seattlecitygis.hub.arcgis.com/
2. Hire an architect and a contractor
Once you've confirmed that your property is eligible for an ADU, you'll need to hire an architect and a contractor. The architect will help you with the design of the ADU, and the contractor will help you with the construction. It's important to hire professionals who have experience with ADUs, as they will be familiar with the requirements and regulations that need to be followed.
3. Get a building permit
Before you can start construction on your ADU, you'll need to obtain a building permit from the City of Seattle. The permit application process can be complex and time-consuming, so it's important to work closely with your architect and contractor to ensure that all the necessary documentation is submitted correctly and on time.
4. Attend a pre-submittal conference
After submitting your building permit application, you'll need to attend a pre-submittal conference with the City of Seattle. This is an opportunity for you to meet with city staff and discuss your project in detail. You'll be able to ask questions, get feedback, and make any necessary revisions to your application before it's reviewed.
5. Respond to comments and revisions
Once your application has been reviewed, the City of Seattle will provide you with comments and revisions that need to be made to your plans. It's important to respond to these comments in a timely and thorough manner, as any delays can prolong the approval process.
6. Obtain final approval on inspections
After all the necessary revisions have been made, you'll need to obtain final approval from the City of Seattle before you can start construction on your ADU. This will involve a final inspection of your plans and construction site to ensure that everything meets the required standards and regulations.
Getting your ADU approved by the City of Seattle can be a complex and time-consuming process. However, by following these steps and working closely with professionals who have experience with ADUs, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to be patient and persistent, and don't hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance if you're unsure about anything. Plumb ADU also provides Seattle homeowners with a one-stop-shop for building beautiful ADUs and is a great alternative if managing a build like this is too time-consuming and complex for your busy life.
Note: Every city has different regulations! Seattle has made it relatively streamlined to permit and build ADUs, but each jurisdiction will have its own nuances and challenges. A professional experienced with ADUs will understand these different requirements and be able to help you through the process.
