20C.30.35 Accessory Dwelling Units.

20C.30.35-010 Purpose.

The purpose of the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) provisions are to: (1) provide homeowners with an opportunity for companionship and security; (2) better utilize existing infrastructure and community resources; (3) provide a housing type that responds to changing needs and lifestyles (e.g., small families, retired couples); (4) add to Redmond’s stock of affordable dwelling units; and (5) protect neighborhood character and stability by ensuring that ADUs are compatible with surrounding land uses according to the conditions of this section. (Ord. 1901)

20C.30.35-020 Applicability.

One accessory dwelling unit is permitted as a subordinate to an existing single-family dwelling unit provided that the criteria presented in this section are met. An approved accessory dwelling unit permit is required. (Ord. 1901)

20C.30.35-030 Requirements.

(1) Number. One ADU shall be allowed in each residential lot as a subordinate use in conjunction with any new or existing detached single-family dwelling unit in the City of Redmond.

(2) Location. The ADU may be added to or included within the primary unit, or located in a detached structure on the same lot as the primary dwelling unit. Both detached ADUs and the primary dwelling unit must conform to all setback, height, and lot coverage restrictions and any other standards or regulations required of a single-family dwelling unit in a residential zone.

(3) Size/Scale.

(a) If any ADU is located in a structure which does not include the primary housing unit, the total square footage of the ADU shall not exceed the lesser of (i) 1,000 square feet or (ii) 40 percent of the total square footage of the primary dwelling unit and the accessory dwelling unit combined, excluding any garage area.

(b) In no case shall the ADU exceed 1,500 square feet in total area. If an ADU occupies an entire single floor, the Technical Committee may allow for an increase in the allowed size of the ADU in order to efficiently use all of the floor area, so long as all other standards of this section are met.

(4) Subdivision. An ADU shall not be subdivided or otherwise segregated in ownership from the primary dwelling unit.

(5) Occupancy. Either the primary dwelling unit or the ADU must be occupied by an owner of the property. The owner-occupied unit shall not be rented to others. Owner occupancy is defined as a property owner, as reflected in title records, who makes his or her legal residence at the site, as evidenced by voter registration, vehicle registration, or similar means, and actually resides at the site more than nine months out of any given year.

(6) Parking. One off-street parking space is required for an ADU in addition to the parking required for the primary dwelling unit. Parking spaces must be paved and may include private garages, carports, or off-street areas reserved for vehicles.

(7) Exterior Modification. Only one entrance on the front of the primary dwelling unit is permitted. Additional entrances are permitted on the side and rear of the primary structure. The Technical Committee may allow, under special circumstances, for both entrances to the primary and accessory units to be located on the front of the structure where design, site layout, and construction considerations significantly hinder other options. Additions to an existing structure or the development of a newly constructed detached ADU shall be designed consistent with the existing facade, roof pitch, siding, and windows of the primary dwelling unit.

(8) Home Business. Home business shall be allowed, subject to existing regulations, in either the ADU or the primary unit, but not both.

(9) Applicable Codes. The portion of the single-family dwelling in which the accessory dwelling unit is proposed must comply with all standards for health and safety contained in all applicable codes, with the exception of the ceiling height requirements of the Uniform Building Code. The Building Official may waive the ceiling height requirements of this chapter if it is determined that the structure was built in compliance with past Building Code requirements. (Ord. 1901)

20C.30.35-040 Penalty for Violation.

Each owner of a structure who maintains or permits an accessory dwelling unit therein in violation of any provision of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty in accordance with the RMC 1.14.050(b). (Ord. 1901)

20C.30.35-050 Cancellation.

Cancellation of the ADU approval may be accomplished by the owner filing a certificate with the Planning Director for recording at the King County Department of Records and Elections. Cancellation may also occur as a result of an enforcement action. The cancellation certificate will confirm that the property has reverted to use as a single dwelling unit and that the former ADU is not to be used as a separate dwelling unit. (Ord. 1901)