The Tacoma Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations this week on Oct. 3, 2018. The proposed changes would “simplify the code and create additional flexibility for both attached and detached accessory dwelling units also known as a backyard cottage”.
There are several opportunities to learn more and provide your input in this important process:
Information and Downloads: http://www.cityoftacoma.org/cms/one.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=156044
Monday, October 1 at 6pm: North End Neighborhood Council meeting
Staff from Tacoma’s Planning & Development Services Department will provide a preview presentation on the ADU regulations at our regular NENC public meeting.
Wednesday, October 3 at 5pm: City of Tacoma Planning Commission public hearing (agenda).
Friday, October 5 at 5pm: Deadline for written comments to the Planning Commission
More info from the City of Tacoma:
The proposed regulations include amendments to various sections of the Tacoma Municipal Code, Title 13 – Land Use Regulatory Code, allowing detached accessory dwelling units in various single family zoning districts, which were previously only permitted through the Residential Infill Pilot Program. The changes simplify the code and create additional flexibility for both attached and detached accessory dwelling units also known as a backyard cottage.
The Planning Commission is inviting public comments on the proposed permanent regulations that, subject to further changes, would be forwarded to the City Council for adoption before the end of the year.
In addition to comments received at the public hearing, written comments are being accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5. Comments may be submitted to: Planning Commission, 747 Market Street, Room 345, Tacoma, WA 98402, via fax at (253) 591-5433, or via email to planning@cityoftacoma.org.
The commission meeting and public hearing will be held in the Tacoma Municipal Building Council Chambers (747 Market St., 1st Floor) and will begin at 5 p.m. with the public hearing beginning at approximately 5:30 p.m.
To review the proposed amendments, visit cityoftacoma.org\DADU or contact project staff Lauren Flemister at lflemister@cityoftacoma.org, or call (253) 591-5660.
Your presentation to the North End Neighborhood Council seems to lack examples of DADU in corner lot locations.
Within one block of my home on 2110 N Mason, are two homes on 50×100 foot corner lot locations. Each of these home are at the very rear of their lot. See you tonight. Gary Foreman, NENC member
Sorry we didn’t see your comment earlier, Gary. This website is hosted by the NENC (not the City). Please be sure to contact staff at the City of Tacoma directly with your comments or other questions (if you haven’t already done so). Thanks!
Do you have any more information such as: size limits? Sewer service? Additional electric service? Waterlines? Setbacks from neighbors’ properties? Parking and off street parking requirements? Number of stories? Will the city or have they said if there will be provisos for neighbors to comment BEFORE a permit is granted? It would help us be informed if our council had some of this germane info. Will all single residencies be zoned for this? What criteria will be used to decide if they are or are not allowed in a neighborhood?
Hi Kathryn,
The City is taking a vote on the ADU ordinance at their next meeting on March 19, 2019. See the agenda materials online here:
March 19, 2019 Agenda item link: https://cityoftacoma.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=3873994&GUID=BA788A13-30ED-4704-A1E1-60DA2B619035&Options=&Search=
ADU General info: https://www.cityoftacoma.org/cms/one.aspx?portalId=169&pageId=156044
Or call City staff if you still have questions about the proposed changes.
Staff Contact: Elliott Barnett, (253) 591-5389