CommentLetter-Response_02-25-09.pdf
CITY OF EDMONDS
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121 5 Avenue North, Edmonds WA 98020
Phone: 425.771.0220 • Fax: 425.771.0221 • Web: www.ci.edmonds.wa.us
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT • PLANNING DIVISION
February 25, 2009
R. Chris Lovgren
Merri Lee Jacobs
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22915 108 Avenue West
Edmonds WA 98020
SUBJECT: Conditional Use permit (CU) for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), File # CU-08-76.
Dear Neighbors:
Thank you for submitting public comments for the Conditional Use Permit (CU) for an Accessory
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Dwelling Unit (ADU) at 22829 108 Avenue West in the Single-Family Residential (RS-8) zone.
Although your comment letter was received after the close of the public comment period, I’d like to
address some of your concerns and send you a copy of the decision for your records.
There is no proposed change to the existing residential zoning. ADUs are a permitted secondary use in all
residential zones, as long as permits are first obtained in order to prove that the required criteria can be
met. One single family is still the maximum permitted on this site, which includes the owner – and this is
a condition of approval. See Edmonds Community Development Code (ECDC) 21.30.010 (below) for
the definition of “family.” In short, up to five (5) unrelated folks are permitted to live on each single-
family zoned lot pursuant to ECDC 21.30.010. The ADU, when complete, will provide a separate kitchen
and living area for the “family.” Because the site will remain and operate as one single family, it is not
considered “multi-family” and will still be subject to the single-family residential regulations. I’m
enclosing a copy of the staff report you can review the criteria and the conditions of approval specific to
this site. I’m also enclosing our ADU handout so you can review the steps that are still needed to be
completed before the approval is final.
If you have any questions at all about the decision, the conditions of approval, or the upcoming processes
that must be completed, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 425.771.0220, extension 1778 or via email
at coccia@ci.edmonds.wa.us.
Sincerely,
Gina Coccia
Associate Planner
cc: File CU-2008-76
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Shirley Hamm: 22829 108 Avenue West, Edmonds WA 98020
enc: Staff Report
ADU Handout
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ECDC 21.30.010 Families.
A. Family means individuals consisting of two or more persons related by genetics, adoption,
or marriage, or a group of five or fewer persons who are not related by genetics, adoption, or
marriage and none of whom are wards of the court unless such wards are related by genetics,
adoption, or marriage to all of the members of such group living in a dwelling unit.
B. The term “family” shall include:
1. State licensed adult family homes required to be recognized as residential use pursuant
to RCW 70.128.180;
2. State licensed foster family homes and group care facilities as defined in RCW
74.15.180, subject to the exclusion of subsection (C) of this section;
3. Group homes for the disabled required to be accommodated as residential uses
pursuant to the Fair Housing Act amendments as the same exists or is hereafter amended.
C. The term “family” shall exclude individuals residing in halfway houses, crisis residential
centers as defined in RCW 74.15.020(3)(g), group homes licensed for juvenile offenders, or
other facilities, whether or not licensed by the state, where individuals are incarcerated or
otherwise required to reside pursuant to court order under the supervision of paid staff and
personnel.
D. Calculation of Residents. When calculating the number of unrelated persons residing in a
single-family dwelling unit, the following rules shall apply:
1. When one or more unrelated persons reside with a family whose members are related
by genetics, adoption or marriage, the total number of residents shall not exceed five persons
except as provided in subsection (D)(2) of this section.
2. A family unit consisting entirely of persons related by genetics, adoption or marriage
may rent a room to a total of two additional renters, or up to two students as a part of a
recognized foreign exchange program or similar educational, nonprofit program, or a
combination of a renter and such student to a total of two additional persons. The additional
renters and/or foreign exchange students, to a maximum of two, shall not be considered when
calculating the number of unrelated persons residing in a dwelling unit under subsection (D)(1)
of this section. Three or more renters and/or students shall be considered as unrelated individuals
and all persons residing in a dwelling unit, regardless of whether a portion of them are related by
genetics, adoption or marriage, shall be considered when determining the total unrelated persons
residing at a site.
3. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). When an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is
approved pursuant to Chapter 20.21 ECDC, only one of the dwelling units, either the primary
residence or the ADU, shall be used to house renters and/or unrelated persons who are students.
Occupancy of the ADU shall not exceed one family as defined in subsection (A) of this section.
4. Nothing herein shall be interpreted to limit normal hosting activities associated with
residential use. \[Ord. 3571 § 1, 2005; Ord. 3557, 2005; Ord. 3533 § 1, 2005; Ord. 3511, 2004;
Ord. 3184 § 1, 1998\].
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