MCP has been advocating for more rural housing opportunities for years and it’s finally happened!
This allows for the conversion of a historic dwelling for accessory dwelling units (or ADUs) in rural residential zones.
The opportunity has finally arrived for rural residents in Lane County to build a second smaller home on their property. According to Pat Farr, chair of the Lane County Board of Commissioners, this unanimous vote to allow accessory dwelling units (ADU’s) in rural residential zones will allow “more people to put front doors on their property.”
This could help us in so many ways – have extended family live with you, get a live-in caretaker (great for larger properties and/or if you’re getting older), or just to have some rent income to help your budget; like the option for farmers and rural businesses to rent out their dwelling seasonally to their employees!
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as granny flats, in-law units, secondary dwelling units, or backyard cottages, are self-contained living spaces that are typically located on the same property as a primary residence. ADUs are designed to be smaller and independent from the main house but are equipped with essential amenities for living, including a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.
For Lane County residents, there are a few specific guidelines homeowners must follow if they are interested in building an ADU on their property:
Counties may allow one ADU on lands zoned rural residential if the following conditions are met:
- The lot or parcel is at least two (2) acres in size
- One single family dwelling is sited on the lot or parcel
- The lot or parcel is served by a fire protection service provider
- Complies with all applicable state laws relating to sanitation and wastewater disposal
- Limited to 900 square feet of useable floor space
- Within 100 feet of the existing single family dwelling
- The lot or parcel and ADU comply with rules of the State Board of Forestry under ORS 477.015 to 477.061 and Oregon residential specialty code relating to wildfire hazard mitigation
Prohibitions:
- Cannot be utilized for vacation occupancy
- The ADU cannot be separated from the primary dwelling by land division
- Are not allowed in urban reserves
- More than one ADU on a lot or parcel
More information about applying for and building an ADU on your property can be found at LaneCounty.org