Wenatchee, WA — Chelan County officials are urging rural property owners with unpermitted accessory dwelling units to contact Community Development before new state regulations and steep penalties take effect this summer.
According to Chelan County Community Development, a recently approved Washington state bill will introduce stricter regulations and higher fines for unpermitted detached accessory dwelling units, commonly known as ADUs, located outside urban growth areas starting July 1.
The legislation, HB 1345, was passed as part of the state’s broader effort to address housing shortages in rural communities. The law allows property owners to have one accessory dwelling unit — either attached or detached — on a parcel outside an urban growth area. Chelan County has allowed ADUs on qualifying properties since 2011, meaning many permitting systems are already in place locally.
However, the new law introduces several requirements that will apply to newly permitted detached ADUs beginning July 1. Among the changes, detached units will not be allowed on nonconforming lots smaller than one acre, must have separate water metering, and cannot exceed 1,296 square feet of gross floor area, excluding decks and porches.
Additional regulations require the ADU to share the same driveway as the main residence and be located within 150 feet of the primary dwelling. Detached ADUs will also count toward density limits tied to zoning and comprehensive plan designations.
Community Development Director Deanna Walter said the county hopes property owners will come forward voluntarily before enforcement measures become stricter.
“We want to work with people before these new regulations and fines go into effect,” Walter said. “Come talk with us before you must abide by these new state-mandated rules.”
After July 1, owners of unpermitted detached ADUs outside urban growth areas may face a civil infraction of at least $1,000 and will be required to pay triple the standard after-the-fact permit fees. Units that cannot be brought into compliance with building standards, including the Washington State Energy Code, may have to be removed.
Officials also warn that property owners who ignore violations could be barred from having an ADU on their property for at least three years.
Walter noted that while the law is meant to expand housing opportunities, the compliance costs could be significant for property owners who wait until enforcement begins.
Chelan County Community Development is located at 316 Washington St., Suite 301 in Wenatchee and can be reached at 509-667-6225. The new regulations do not apply to permitted short-term rentals, which follow a separate permitting process.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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