Also known as mother-in-law apartments or granny flats, ADU’s (accessory dwelling units) refer to an additional, separate dwelling unit on a property that would otherwise legally accommodate only one residence or dwelling unit. The City of Bainbridge Island allows the creation of an accessory dwelling unit to most single-family residences where water and sewage requirements can be met.
ADU’s are a sustainable way to increase housing density as they mostly rely on existing infrastructure. They also add tremendous value to a single-family residence not just by adding of square footage to your home but with the potential of rental income and aging-in-place living options. ADU’s very flexible and also commonly used as guesthouses, home offices, art studios or just as places for teens to hang out with friends.
ADU’s on Bainbridge Island may be attached or detached but must be designed to maintain the appearance of the primary dwelling as a single-family residence and its size must be limited to 800 square feet of floor area or less. One off-street parking space must be provided in addition to the off-street parking required for the primary dwelling and the ADU must share a single driveway with the primary dwelling.
Please contact us if you’d like to discuss the feasibility of an ADU on your property.