ADU Fact Sheet

If you have additional questions, please contact the City planner.

Where can I find the applicable code for ADUs in Estacada?

Title 16, Chapter 61 (16.61) of the Estacada Municipal Code (EMC) (PDF), available on the City’s website.

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is an independently habitable dwelling that provides shelter, heating, cooking facilities, and sanitation facilities for no more than one family. An ADU is accessory to, and on the same lot as, a primary single-family dwelling, duplex, commonwall dwelling, or multi-family dwelling on the same lot. It may be within or attached to the primary dwelling, or it may be a detached building on the same lot as the primary dwelling. An ADU is distinguishable from a duplex in that, unlike a duplex, it is clearly subordinate to a primary dwelling unit, both in use, size, and appearance.

Do I need City approval for a new ADU?

ADUs are allowed outright as accessory uses in all residential zones (R-1, R-2, and R-3 Zones), as well as the C-2 Commercial-Residential Zone, if in compliance with all of the development standards (such as setbacks, size, appearance, parking, etc.) contained in EMC Chapter 16.61, as well as those development and design requirements of the underlying zone. While there is no ADU application to complete, a building permit must be applied for and granted prior to ADU construction. The building permit application will need to show key features of the proposed ADU, such as egress, fire separation, locations of utility shutoffs, entrances, windows, parking, etc. The City’s Building Official will need to verify that these features are provided and that the structure complies with applicable Building Code requirements on-site before use of the ADU can be approved.

I already have what I call an “ADU”. Do I need to seek City approval for what I already have?

Yes. A permit and approval from the City are necessary in order to ensure that occupied dwelling units are safe and comply with Building Code requirements and the ADU rules adopted by the City Council. An ADU is legal only with an established building permit and approved ADU application. If the City becomes aware of an unpermitted ADU, the City may compel the owner to cease using the dwelling unit, utilizing those remedies available per the Estacada Municipal Code.