Every construction project starts with a vision, and bringing it to life inevitably comes with challenges. Luckily, the process doesn’t have to be so daunting for Kirklanders who are looking to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) — that is, a small, self-contained home — on their property. As part of a plan to tackle the affordable housing shortage in our area, the City has compiled a gallery of pre-approved ADU plans to make it faster, more predictable, and cheaper for homeowners to build these additions.
A pre-approved plan can simplify and speed up the steps before construction. Each ADU design in the gallery is already complete and meets City codes, so you’re not starting from scratch. It eliminates guesswork and enables you to skip ahead in the process. Plus, designs can still be tailored to your specific needs for your ADU; certain plans offer options to customize materials or layout variations, such as an extra bedroom or a mirrored layout.
If you find a pre-approved design that fits your lot, lifestyle, and budget, you can connect with the designer and pay their fee (up to $1,000) to use the plan. They may also require you to sign a liability release. Then, you can work with the designer or another authorized professional to submit for the building permit. This route can help save additional time — the permit approval may come in as little as three weeks, rather than taking approximately three months.
ADUs are serious investments, in terms of both time and money, but they can pay off in the long term through rental income, sale of the unit, increased property value, or family support. If you’re interested in building one, the first step is to check what’s possible on your property. From there, pre-approved plans may be a great path for you to be able to start building sooner.
