Savannah, GA - ADU Regulations

In a proactive effort to combat the ongoing housing crisis, the State of California has adopted specific regulations to promote the construction and utilization of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Here's an expanded and comprehensive breakdown of the key points:

1. Purpose and Prominence: California recognizes the potential of ADUs in providing affordable housing options. Given the state's dense urban centers and escalating property prices, ADUs present a viable solution to address the growing demand for residential spaces.‍

2. Eligibility for Establishment: Both single-family homes and multifamily properties can host an ADU.‍

3. Size Considerations: For detached ADUs, the maximum allowable size is up to 1,200 square feet.
The actual size of an ADU might vary depending on specific factors such as the total lot area and the size of the primary dwelling on the property.

4. Parking Norms: The state mandates limited parking requirements for ADUs.
If an ADU is situated near public transit, these parking stipulations may be even less stringent, facilitating easy construction and usage.‍

5. Owner-Occupancy: Historically, some jurisdictions required the property owner to live in either the primary home or the ADU. However, for ADUs permitted between 2020 and 2025, the state does not enforce such owner-occupancy requirements, allowing for greater flexibility in usage.

6. Setback Rules: For detached ADUs, there's a minimum setback requirement of 4 feet from both the rear and side yard boundaries.‍

7. Approval Process: Cities across the state are obligated to approve compliant ADU applications within a span of 60 days. This streamlined process ensures quick turnarounds and encourages homeowners to consider ADU development.‍

8. Fee Structure: To further incentivize ADU establishment, the state has reduced or completely waived fees for ADUs that are less than 750 square feet. This can translate to significant savings for property owners.‍

9. Rental Conditions: If an ADU meets the stipulated requirements laid out by the city, it must be available for rental. This regulation ensures that ADUs actively contribute to alleviating housing shortages.‍

10. Local Jurisdictional Variances: While the above guidelines provide a general framework, it's crucial to note that local jurisdictions might have their unique sets of regulations and requirements. Property owners should consult their respective city or county planning departments to get precise and localized information.

In conclusion, as California grapples with housing challenges, ADUs offer a promising avenue to augment living spaces without the need for expansive new developments. These guidelines, though comprehensive, serve as a starting point, and it's always recommended to liaise with local experts for tailored advice.

State laws (RCW 36.70A.680 and 36.70A.681) mandate that all local governments under the Growth Management Act (GMA), irrespective of size and including both cities and counties within unincorporated urban growth areas, update their regulations to align with specific criteria within six months following their scheduled update. The key directives include:

1. ADUs per Lot: Urban areas within the GMA must allow at least two ADUs on any lot that qualifies by size, in addition to the main residence. These ADUs can be attached, detached, or a mix, and converting structures like garages into ADUs must be permitted.
2. Size Requirements: ADUs cannot be restricted to under 1,000 square feet.
3. Design and Location Standards: Restrictions on setbacks, lot coverage, tree preservation, or entrance placements cannot be stricter than those for the main home.
4. Street Upgrades: ADUs cannot be subjected to demands for street improvements as a permit condition.
5. Owner Occupancy: Requirements for the homeowner to live on-site are prohibited for both the main and accessory units.
6. Condominium Sales: It’s not allowed to block the sale of a condominium developed as an ADU on the basis that it’s an ADU.
7. Design Review: ADUs cannot face stricter aesthetic or design criteria than the primary residence.
8. Parking: Parking requirements are limited, with specific conditions for smaller lots and exemptions for ADUs near major transit hubs.
9. Impact Fees: Charges for ADUs are capped at 50% of those for the main house.
10. Common Interest Communities: New developments with homeowners associations are barred from implementing rules against ADU construction. However, existing regulations can remain.

These regulations aim to encourage the development of ADUs, offering more housing options within urban growth areas.

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Since July 1, 2018, most Oregon cities and counties allow homeowners to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on residential properties. However, local rules on ADU size, placement, and design must be followed. Each area has its own rules for:

1. How big the ADU can be;
2. Where it can be located; and
3. If it needs to look like the main house.

Local governments also have different processes for giving permits and may charge fees for building an ADU. These fees, including impact fees or system development charges, can vary a lot. Some places might not charge these fees at all, while others could charge $15,000 or more for each ADU.

In Oregon, the rules for creating Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) set standards to boost housing while keeping communities looking good. Understanding Oregon's ADU laws is crucial for compliance and making the most of ADU benefits. Cities must have over 2,500 people, and counties over 15,000, to fall under the ADU mandate. This supports urban housing needs. Urban Growth Boundaries (UGBs) define where ADUs can be built, promoting smart growth and land use without harming Oregon's landscapes.

Oregon's ADU laws aim to increase affordable housing. They require local governments to process ADU applications efficiently, especially in urban areas. State laws stop local rules from demanding owners live in ADUs or provide extra parking, except for vacation rentals. Setback requirements ensure ADUs are well-placed, respecting privacy and the environment. Oregon encourages updating local ADU rules to match state standards, making it easier to build ADUs and help with housing shortages.

Design and siting rules for Oregon ADUs ensure they fit well with urban settings and offer design flexibility. Oregon prefers less restrictive rules for ADUs compared to other buildings, aiming to increase housing options responsibly. The state simplifies ADU regulations, replacing complex zoning laws with clearer, state-wide standards. This helps reduce red tape and encourage ADU construction.

Oregon's approach to ADUs, including size restrictions and utility connection guidelines, is designed to integrate ADUs smoothly into neighborhoods, addressing housing needs. ADUs can't be too large compared to the main house, and shared utility connections are encouraged to keep costs down. This effort shows Oregon's commitment to innovative, affordable housing solutions.

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You are allowed to build one ADU on properties in designated zones like A-1, RSF-, RTF-, RMF-1, etc. These ADUs aren't counted in the total number of houses allowed in an area. However, mobile homes, shipping containers, RVs, or trailers are not permitted as ADUs, except manufactured homes in certain zones.

ADUs can either be attached to or detached from the main house. If attached, they need to share a wall with the main house and have a separate entrance, usually on the side or back. Detached ADUs must adhere to specific distance rules from the main house and property lines.

For some zones, your property needs to be 25% larger than the minimum size usually required. The building area of ADUs is included in the total allowed building area on your property. The ADU's size is capped at 40% of the main house's size, up to 700 square feet, although in some zones this can be up to 1,000 square feet. ADUs must meet the city's minimum size requirements and can have only one bedroom.

Design-wise, ADUs should resemble the main house, especially in special areas like historic districts. If you provide parking for the ADU, it should be on the same property and use the same driveway as the main house.

In terms of utilities, the ADU may need to share water and sewer connections with the main house, and a shared electrical meter might be required.

Height restrictions apply as well. In certain areas, ADUs can't be taller than 25 feet or the height of the main house, whichever is shorter. Also, any part of the ADU over 15 feet in height must be set back at least 15 feet from the rear property line unless it's next to a lane.

These rules are effective from May 25, 2023.