On July 27, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., the City Council will hold a public hearing via the Zoom online platform to consider changes to the rules for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in the City. ADUs are small additional dwelling units associated with a single-family residence. They can be attached (inside the residence) or detached (in a separate structure on the lot). The City’s Housing Strategy Plan recommends creating incentives for construction of ADUs to support development of more affordable housing.

The Council is considering:

• Allowing two ADUs (one attached and one detached, or two attached) on single-family lots 8,000 square feet in size or greater;
• Allowing one ADU (either attached or detached) on single-family lots smaller than 8,000 square feet with no minimum lot size;
• Relaxing the requirement that the property owner live in either the main house or ADU;
• Revising the maximum size limits for both attached and detached ADUs;
• Eliminating the ADU parking requirement;
• Reducing the rear-yard setbacks for ADUs;
• Other proposed changes concerning ADUs.

City Council could take action and make final decisions on the above proposals at the July 27 public hearing.

Community members can participate by attending the virtual meeting and providing live comments or submitting written comments by 5:00 p.m. on July 27 to jgregory@kenmorewa.gov.

Agenda details and additional information on ADUs can be found online at www.kenmorewa.gov/ADU. The Zoom link to attend the meeting will be posted to this website on July 24.