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Planning Staff: planning@cityofepa.org
Building Staff: building@cityofepa.org
Standards | Details |
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Zones allowed | ADUs allowed in all residential and mixed-use zones with limited exceptions, such as traffic flow, water, sewer, or public safety. JADUs allowed on lots zoned for a single-family home. Not allowed on two-family and multifamily properties or any property with multiple single-family homes. |
Lot Restrictions | These restrictions cannot prevent you from building an 800 square foot ADU: On Single-Family Properties: One ADU is permitted per lot, as long as the lot meets size and location requirements. On Two-family and Multi-Family Properties: Up to two detached ADUs allowed. Can convert up to 25% of non-living space to ADUs. For example, if a building has 4,000 square feet of office, 1,000 square feet can be converted into one or more ADUs. One JADU is allowed per property
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Minimum Lot Size | None |
Min/Max ADU Size | Min ADU: 150 square feet Max ADU (detached): 1000 square feet Max ADU (attached or contained within a primary dwelling): 50% of the primary dwelling, provided this does not prohibit an 800 sq ft attached ADU (state law allows an ADU up to 800 square feet on every property, with some exceptions) Max JADU: 500 square feet |
ADU Building Height | Attached ADUs: up to 25 feet or the maximum allowed by the underlying zoning, whichever is lower (allows for ADUs built above an attached garage) Detached ADUs within a ½ mile walking distance from a major transit stop: up to 18 feet plus an additional 2 feet to accommodate a roof pitch that is aligned with the primary house (allows for two-story ADUs) ADUs on Two-Family and Multi-Family properties with existing/proposed multistory dwellings: up to 18 feet All other ADUs: 17 feet |
Setbacks | New Construction: 4 feet side/rear setbacks Converted Structures: Same setbacks as the existing structure Setbacks must comply with any recorded easements or setback restrictions If an 800 square foot ADU does not fit in the rear or side yard, the ADU may be allowed in the front yard |
Parking Requirements | JADUs: No new parking required. If converting a garage to a JADU, replacement parking is required for the main home. ADUs: Generally additional off-street parking is not required for ADUs. Talk to Planning staff to confirm parking requirements for your property and project. |
Owner Occupancy | JADU: Required ADU: not required for ADUs built recently (2020-2024) |
Sample fees from recent permits | Planning Preliminary Ministerial Review: $648 for typical review unless you have a complicated site or project (2023-24 fee schedule) Average building permit / plan check fees: $4,000 for a $100,000 ADU, $6,000 for a $300,000 ADU Other City Department fees: Public Works and other agency fees may be required. Talk to Building for more Ravenswood School Fees: $4.08/square foot. Fees are updated annually (FY23-24). No school fees for ADUs less than 500 square feet. Development impact fees: are not charged for ADUs under 750 square feet or attached ADUs. Other ADUs pay Parks and Trail and Stormwater fees Fire District: $230.27 for plan review and inspection Utility and connection fees: Contact your utility provider for more information Please consult with the Building Division for estimated ADU building permit fees |
Other requirements | ADUs are permitted on sites with multifamily buildings Check if located in a flood zone and consult your planner No short-term rentals |
Process | Application is reviewed by planning to evaluate parking, zoning, and lot size. If approved, can apply for a building permit. Making an appointment to meet with a planner in the initial stages of the project can help avoid challenges and is highly recommended. |
Exceptions | ADUs smaller than 800 square feet are exempt from floor area ratio (FAR) and lot coverage requirements ADUs smaller than 750 square feet may be exempt from potential development impact fees, but do not include utility connection fees or capacity charges |
Created by Community Planning Collaborative
