Since 2020, more accessory dwelling units (ADUs) than ever have been approved to be built on Kirkland residential properties. You may know these small, self-contained homes by various names, including in-law units, backyard cottages, garage apartments, and more. No matter the title, building an ADU can be daunting because it’s a serious time and financial commitment — but it’s one that can pay off.
The City of Kirkland has been working to support and streamline the process of building ADUs to create more affordable housing in the area and strengthen the community. Thanks to a growing gallery of pre-approved ADU plans submitted by architects, designers, and builders, homeowners don’t have to start from scratch. These designs offer a simpler path to building an ADU, whether you’re hoping to keep aging family members at home, give adult children their own space, generate rental income, or sell the unit for a profit.
Saving time and money before construction begins is the biggest benefit of using a pre-approved ADU plan. The designs are complete, so you can pay a license fee of no more than $1,000, and then work with the designer to adapt it to your property at their hourly rate if needed. The plans are suited to different lots, lifestyles, and budgets, including small-footprint and family-friendly ADUs, so that you can find one that works for you.
All of the pre-approved designs comply with City codes, so your permit approval can be faster and more predictable than it would be for a custom project. The turnaround may be as little as a few weeks, compared to approximately three months. Speeding up the process in these ways means paying less overall and being able to start building sooner.
Ultimately, ADUs can create options and lasting value for homeowners. If you’re looking to build one, check out Kirkland’s gallery of pre-approved plans to see if there are any that may fit your needs.
