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What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit? An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a detached habitable living unit that is subordinate to an existing or proposed principal dwelling unit; or is a habitable living unit to be attached to an existing or proposed principal dwelling unit. The establishment of an ADU may be authorized through an administrative conditional use permit process if the criteria are met, and the ADU is located within the designated Pilot Project area. Proposed ADUs must comply with all applicable building code and health code requirements. What is the Intent of allowing an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) through a Pilot Program? The ADU regulations are intended to provide additional opportunities for affordable housing, including for the elderly; young single or married couples who are newly independent from parents, and otherwise unable to secure financing to purchase land/home on the real estate market. Equally important to County economic and housing goals is maintaining neighborhood stability, retaining the character of existing neighborhoods, and supporting retention of a strong, local community. The regulations are designed to address the need for affordable housing accommodations, but without disturbing the single family residence character of the affected districts. The regulations only apply within the designated Pilot Project area, providing the Planning Department an opportunity to further evaluate the effectiveness of the regulations. An assessment of the Pilot Program is due no later than twelve (12) months from the date of adoption; modification of requirements may occur at that time. Where is the designated area? The designated Pilot Project area applies to parcels within the White Salmon/Bingen Urban Area of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area AND meet the following criteria: outside the city limit of the City of White Salmon is zoned Suburban Residential (SR) and are located within Sections 23 and 24, Township 3 North, Range 10, in Klickitat County, WA. How to apply for an Administrative Conditional Use Permit? A “pre-submission meeting” with Planning Department staff is required. Application forms will be provided by the Planning Department following the pre-submission meeting. Once a completed application is accepted, the application along with required submittals is routed to the adjacent land owners, and interested parties including applicable agencies for review and comment. The Planning Department may grant an approval if the proposal demonstrates it will not be substantially detrimental to the public interest and is consistent and compatible in design, character and appearance with surrounding development. How Long Does it Take to Obtain an Administrative Conditional Use Permit? You should allow approximately 45 days from start to finish. The seemingly long time to get the permit is necessary due to requirements regarding public notice, and the amount of time required to accomplish an effective review and analysis by agencies and staff. Planning Department staff will do everything possible to expedite the permit process. May I Start My Project Before the Administrative Conditional Use Permit is Effective? No. The applicant is responsible for obtaining all other applicable permits before commencing construction. The Planning Department encourages applicants to contact the Building and Health Departments as part of their preparation of an application, as ADU must be designed to comply with all Building and Health Department requirements. How long do I have to construct the ADU? If the ADU is not constructed and a certificate of occupancy for the ADU issued within two years, the administrative conditional use permit approval shall lapse. How Much Does All of This Cost? The base permit fee of an administrative conditional use application is $500. ---PAGE BREAK--- If you have questions... call the Klickitat County Planning Department (509) 773-5703 493-6084 (from White Salmon) 1 [PHONE REDACTED] or come by the Courthouse Annex 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM KLICKITAT COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT COURTHOUSE ANNEX 228 WEST MAIN, MS: CH-17 GOLDENDALE, WA 98620 PHONE: (509) 773-5703 FAX: (509) 773-6206 Klickitat County Development Assistance Brochure Accessory Dwelling Unit (A PILOT PROGRAM) This publication explains the process for obtaining zoning approval on an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) This brochure contains general information only and is subject to periodic change. September 2012