Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Background: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) provide a housing option that adds a small, self-contained structure to an existing single family lot. ADUs may be attached to a single-family home, a unit inside the home, above a garage, or detached from the primary residence.

ADUs can help fill the need for housing in a low-profile way that does not change the look and feel of existing neighborhoods. ADUs can provide an affordable housing option, housing that can allow for seniors to age in place, and options for multi-generational living.

What’s in the new code: Code changes to allow more ADUs

The purpose of the ADU code update is to make it easier to build ADUs. The City will be exploring such options as allowing ADUs on smaller lots, removing the owner-occupancy requirement, reducing parking requirements, and limiting size, height, location to minimize impacts. Consideration will also be given to reducing permit fees for ADUs, to make them a more feasible housing option.

The proposal will be reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council. Opportunities for public comment on the proposal during the review process will be posted on this webpage.

What's happening

2024 Update

• The State legislature in 2023 enacted new rules for ADUs, that basically make ADUs easier to build and that remove many local restrictions on ADUs.
• During 2024, the City will be updating its ADU regulations to comply with the new State requirements. This update will be part of new housing regulations proposed in the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update. For more info: https://connects.sumnerwa.gov/planning-sumners-future.
  
  
  July-August 2022 Update
• The City Council started its review of the proposed regulations in July.
• The City Council adopted the ADU code updates on August 15, 2022.

June-July 2022 Update

• The Sumner Planning Commission will have a public hearing on ADU draft regulations on June 9, 2022.
• Draft regulations are posted in the Documents Library on this page, the column on the right.

April-May 2022 Update

• The Sumner Planning Commission is scheduled to review ADU draft regulations on May 5, 2022.
• Draft regulations are posted in the Documents Library on this page, the column on the right.

February-March 2022 Update

• City staff are working with a consultant to develop concepts, approach, and draft regulations.
• Staff will meet with the Planning Commission (tentatively in May) to discuss the draft recommendations.
• Draft recommendations will be posted on this page, under the Documents section.