ADU Construction in Portland

Yes, Accessory Dwelling Units are indeed allowed in Portland.

In fact, Portland has been one of the most progressive cities in the United States when it comes to ADU policies.

Here's a breakdown of the key points:

1. Allowance: Portland allows one ADU per single-family residential lot.
2. Types: Both attached and detached ADUs are permitted.
3. Size: ADUs can be up to 800 square feet or 75% of the main house's living area, whichever is less.
4. Parking: No additional parking is required for ADUs.
5. Owner Occupancy: As of 2018, owner occupancy is no longer required for either the main house or the ADU.
6. Short-term Rentals: ADUs can be used for short-term rentals, subject to certain regulations.
7. System Development Charges (SDCs): Portland has waived SDCs for ADUs, which can save homeowners thousands of dollars.

Building an ADU can increase your property value, provide rental income, accommodate family members, and offer a flexible living space for guests or hobbies.

The timeline for constructing an ADU varies based on design, size, and permits required, but the process typically takes several months from planning to completion.

The cost of building an ADU in Portland can vary widely depending on several factors.

Here's a general breakdown:

1 - Average Cost Range: Typically, building an ADU in Portland costs between $90,000 and $300,000.

2 - Cost per Square Foot: On average, expect to pay $200 to $400 per square foot.

3 - Detached vs. Attached: Detached ADUs tend to be more expensive than attached ones.

4 - Factors Affecting Cost:

• Size of the ADU
• Quality of materials
• Complexity of design
• Site conditions
• Permitting fees
• Labor costs

5 - Additional Costs:

• Utility connections: $5,000 - $20,000
• Design and engineering: $5,000 - $15,000
• Permits and fees: $5,000 - $10,000 (Note: SDCs are waived in Portland)

6 - Cost-saving Measures:

• Prefab or modular construction can reduce costs
• Simpler designs are generally less expensive
• DIY work (where appropriate and allowed) can save on labor costs

Yes, building an ADU requires permits to ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations. Our team can assist you with the necessary paperwork and approvals.

There are various financing options for ADUs, including traditional mortgages, home equity loans, and specific ADU loan programs. We can provide guidance based on your financial situation.

1. System Development Charge (SDC) Waiver: Portland waives SDCs for ADUs, which can save homeowners thousands of dollars in fees.
2. Relaxed Zoning Requirements: The city has eased restrictions on ADU size, placement, and design to make it easier for homeowners to build them.
3. Increased Size Allowances: ADUs can now be up to 800 square feet or 75% of the main dwelling's square footage, whichever is less.
4. Parking Requirements: No additional parking is required for ADUs in most cases.
5. Owner-Occupancy: The city no longer requires the property owner to live on-site.

In 2019, Oregon passed House Bill 2001, which went into effect on July 1, 2022. This bill significantly changed ADU regulations across the state. Here are the main points of the new law:

1. Statewide Allowance: All cities with populations over 2,500 and counties with populations over 15,000 must allow at least one ADU for each detached single-family home in residential zones.
2. Reduced Restrictions: Local governments cannot require owner-occupancy or additional off-street parking for ADUs.
3. Simplified Process: The law aims to streamline the permitting process for ADUs.
4. Size Regulations: ADUs are allowed to be up to 800 square feet or 75% of the primary dwelling's size, whichever is smaller.
5. Increased Density: The law allows for both an attached and a detached ADU on single-family lots in some cases.
6. Design Standards: Local jurisdictions can still impose design standards, but they must be clear and objective.

To begin, simply schedule a free consultation with our team at NWHomes. We will discuss your goals and outline the steps needed to bring your ADU vision to life.