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City of Poulsbo Permit Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit Program

Sometimes referred to as mother-in-law unit, granny shack, or backyard cottage, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are small, independent residential units located on the same lot as a stand-alone single-family home. ADUs provide the same essential functions as a typical single-family residence, complete with a kitchen, sleeping area, and bathroom, but are smaller or “accessory” to the primary residence. For more information, view the Accessory Dwelling Unit Handout.

The Puget Sound region continues to face significant challenges related to housing supply and affordability. State and municipal legislation continue to advance ADUs as one way to create affordable housing options, diversify existing housing stock, and control sprawl.

To promote ADU development, the city developed a Permit Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit Program that offers residential property owners to select from four (currently) pre-approved, designed, and engineered ADU model base plans. The model base plan range in size from 480- 800 sq. ft. and vary in architectural styles so that property owners can select an ADU that is complementary to the existing single-family dwelling.

The Permit Ready ADU Program accelerates the permit approval process and reduces pre-construction costs—and helps us reach our community goals by encouraging more housing and diverse options throughout the city. This program works because it lets property owners use an accessory dwelling unit building plan that has already been approved and meets building codes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ADU? Commonly referred to as a “mother-in-law apartment” or “granny flat”, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary living space that has its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area. It can be within the same building or on the same lot as the primary residence. An ADU can be a separate, detached unit, an attached unit to the main residence, a converted space within the main residence, a unit above a garage, or a similar setup.

What does “pre-approved plans” mean? The permit ready plans meet the City’s building code and design guidelines. This help expedite the review process and eliminates design costs for the user.

If I use the Pre-Approved ADU plans, are there any other fees I will need to pay? Yes, there are several fees to consider, including, but not limited to, building permit and plan review fees and utility connections, for example. The fees cover the costs of reviewing your applications, permits and inspections. You can request a Permit Fee estimate by emailing building@cityofpoulsbo.com.

How are the pre-approved ADU plans customizable? Individuals can select the ADU’s roof style, siding, color, windows, and doors. If you wish to make any other modifications to the plan, you will need to work with an architect and pay any fees the architect charges. Modifications to the permit ready plans may disqualify the pre-approved status of the plans.

What are the benefits of Permit Ready Plans?

  • Reduced Wait Times: When embarking on a project, you may need to wait anywhere between 1-4 months for engineers and architects to meticulously prepare your building plans. Permit-ready plans eliminate this waiting period entirely.
  • Streamlined Permit Approval: With permit-ready plans, you can avoid the potential complications of the standard permit review process, allowing you to start your project sooner. Permit-ready plans have undergone careful examination to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations. This means reduced wait times and an expedited permit approval.
  • Cost Savings: Building plans are typically 5% – 20% of total construction costs. With permit-ready plans, both the building and engineering plans are completely free to all residents and builders.

Do you have to use one of the pre-approved ADU designs? No, residents can have their own plans developed. However, the City’s standard review process would apply.

Permit Ready ADU Plans

Documents and Helpful Links

What is The Lille? 

Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, Port Orchard, and Bremerton were each tasked with naming a model. Poulsbo had the responsibility to name the smallest unit, since we are the smallest jurisdiction in Kitsap County. Poulsbo chose the Norwegian word Lille (pronounced Lee-Leh) which translates to little or small .

Process Steps

Browse the Gallery of Permit Ready ADU Plans (see above)

Contact the Building Department

Prepare and Submit Your Application Packet

Get Your Permit and Start Construction!

  • The City strongly encourages anyone who wants to build an ADU to contact PED staff to talk about the zoning requirements early in the process. This will help to identify issues and pick options that will be viable for your property. For example, every property is located in a zoning district. Each zoning district has requirements for where buildings can be located on the property, how much of the lot can be covered with buildings and impervious surfaces, and the maximum building height allowed.
  • Contact the Building Department to discuss general site feasibility and to view the plans. Visit us at Poulsbo City Hall or email building@cityofpoulsbo.com and provide your name, address, phone number and a brief description of what you would like to do. 
  • Review all restrictive covenants with your Home Owner’s Association (HOA), if you have one.
  • Review the pre-approved designs. Determine if one of the permit-ready ADU’s fits your needs or if you would like to work with a designer to develop your own plans.
  • Determine financing. We suggest contacting a local lender as many of them have knowledge of our program.
  • Consult with a builder. A builder determines a more detailed feasibility review and cost estimate.
  • Prepare your application packet apply for permits.  Work with your builder and the Poulsbo Building Department to secure your final permits.

Other Considerations

  • While the building department is your primary point of contact, depending on the proposal you may also need to talk with other staff about utility connections and parking requirements.
  • Is the existing house served by an on-site septic system for wastewater? If yes, it may be necessary to connect to the sewer system.
  • The ADU can often make use of the water and sewer connects from the street to the main house. Such connections have to be made in conformance with code requirements.
  • How will the stormwater from any new impervious surfaces (roof, walkways, patios, parking areas) be handled? This must meet code requirements and the information must be included in the permit application.
  • Are there any wetlands, steep slopes, or other critical areas on or near the property? If yes, additional setbacks (buffers) and special reports may be required before a building permit can be issued.
  • Consider your neighbors. Think about building placement and orientation, privacy issues, fencing, landscaping, etc.
  • Impact fees are required for ADUs and are charged at time of building permit issuance.