County staff brief commissioners on ordinance 9-12 to allow rural ADUs, hearing set for Feb. 24

County planning staff presented a work-session briefing Tuesday on ordinance 9-12, which would allow rural accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and rural historic ADUs in parts of Washington County outside the urban growth boundary, subject to state and local limits.

Erin Wardell, assistant director of the Department of Land Use and Transportation, introduced the staff team. Senior planner Todd Borkowetz told commissioners that ADUs are residential structures accessory to a single detached dwelling — typically under 1,000 square feet with a kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area — and that the state permits two rural ADU types: a rural ADU accessory to an existing dwelling and a rural historic ADU tied to a qualifying historic home (built 1850–1945).

Borkowetz said the draft ordinance narrows eligibility to rural residential districts (AF5, AF10, RR5) and to lots at least two acres in size, and proposes to prohibit vacation occupancy for rural ADUs. He noted additional state conditions that affect eligibility, including the requirement that lots be served by a structural fire protection provider and not be within a state groundwater-restricted area unless supplied by an outside water source.

Maps shown to the board highlighted that many resource zones are ineligible and that eligible lots are relatively few. Borkowetz said the county received generally supportive comments during the issue-paper public comment period and the planning commission hearing, but that opposition clustered around concerns over vacation occupancy and potential land-use impacts in rural districts.

Commissioners asked several implementation questions. Staff said planning and building-permit fees would likely remain consistent with urban ADUs because building-plan review is run as an enterprise fund with full cost-recovery goals. Staff confirmed rural ADUs would permit long-term rental (rent may be charged) and that enforcement would be complaint-driven. The board is scheduled to consider engrossment and further hearings; the first public hearing is set for Feb. 24.