Hey thanks in advance for taking the time to stop and read. A family member has agreed to let us build a “house” next to theirs and I’m very interested but I don’t know where to start. From the little research I’ve done it seems like there is miles of red tape when it comes to additions and new builds on property that already has an existing home. Does anyone have any advice, information or good resources for us to check into that doesn’t require reading a 200 page laws and regulations book?
Wanting to build an addition on a family members property, seeking advice.
I think you’re looking for an ADU as well (accessory dwelling unit). There’s an abundance of them in the Portland area. In this scenario I believe the ADU will still be owned by the regular homeowner (your family member) and you would essentially pay an agreed upon rent.
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1.3y
We’re still in the very early planning process and I don’t think that’s the way we would want to go but I appreciate the information. I’m going to try and soak it all up like a sponge so we can all make the best choice when we’re ready.
That is legitimately going to be the only answer you are going to get.
Unless the area is zoned for multi-family development, building a second residential structure (outside of an ADU in very specific situations with very specific restrictions) on a single lot is going to be a serious (and honestly insurmountable) obstacal.
You are going to need to get a surveyor (and in many cases a lawyer) involved to put together a short plat, and if you are in an 'urban' area (and more and more often in unincorporated areas) you are going to need to hire a civil engineer to deal with street improvements, stormwater, etc.
Depending on the complexity (mostly related to civil improvements, internal roads, complex stormwater situation), it can take anywhere from 4 months to a year to finalize the subdivision and be ready to build, from deciding to move forward to filing. This can also depend on jurisdiction; in general Clark County is going to be closer to a year while some of the smaller communities further out with dedicated planning and engineering staff can get you through really quick (just don't depend on it; they tend to struggle if there are any extensive environmental or engineering issues while larger jurisdictions like Clark and Vancouver can generally turn those around relatively easily).
Coming from someone who works in the industry. An ADU might be what you are looking for, but again they tend to be very limited and might not be what you are looking for. My only advice would be to hire a really experienced company that specializes in (or has a long history of) building/permitting ADUs in the jurisdiction that you want to build in. There are tons of local jurisdictions, and the specific ADU regulations can vary place to place.
We are in the process of getting a 2nd house built on a single house zoned lot. We are getting the original house zoned as an agricultural housing exemption. But that only works if the people living there are working the land
Super interesting. I know there are tons of intricacies involving ag land and uses permitted on it, but its not really my specialty. Maybe OP should look into this, though as you said, seems like it would require a number of specific circumstances that OP may or may not meet.
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1.3y
- Park a trailer/tinny home on it and hope for the best.
3.5) build a poll barn, and what happens inside that barn is up to you.
Reach out to My ADU. They build ADUs and know all the ins and outs of all the regulations and are super friendly and helpful. myadu.com
Get a tiny home on wheels. I think that's a loophole since it's not hard wired into utilities. Only downside is you'd probably need a compositible toilet.
Sure, and while you’re bringing down the property value of the neighborhood, why not install an above ground pool and/ or a trampoline. The neighbors will thank you!
Hell yeah brother now you're speaking my language throw a sea-doo on a trailer in that mix as well.
This doesn’t have enough information for anyone to help you.
Where are you located (city limits, county)? What’s the property zoned for? Do you know how you will pay for the house? If you can’t answer these basic questions, the best anyone can do is just guess.
Need to go check on the county or city codes on if you can do that or not.
There are a lot of questions here. What zone is the house in? ADUs are only allowed with certain zoning and they're limited in size. The ADU link that someone else posted is a great start. If it's bigger than the ADU size limit, you'll need to do a short plat to divide the land, etc. etc.
If you want to talk to someone, calling the city would be the easiest. Try the Planning and Zoning department.
The state is considering a middle housing bill that would allow up to 3 units on single-family zoned parcels. Perhaps this will help if it passes and works for your timing!
https://www.cityofvancouver.us/cdd/page/accessory-dwelling-units