The community is invited to provide feedback on proposed updates to the Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Regulations of the Snoqualmie Municipal Code at a public hearing before the Planning Commission on Aug. 7, 2023, at 7 pm.
The Snoqualmie Municipal Code currently allows ADUs with some restrictions, but code modifications are being considered to comply with new state law enacted earlier this year.
ADUs are small housing units attached to or separate from, and accessory to, a single-family home. ADUs are commonly used as affordable or no-cost housing for renters or relatives of the occupants of a property’s primary dwelling unit.
During the 2023 state legislative session, new legislation was passed intended to ease barriers to the construction and use of ADUs. This new law restricts a jurisdiction’s ability to enact regulations that inhibit the construction of ADUs, including those related to impact fees, owner occupancy requirements, lot size restrictions, lot size, and parking.
The City’s approved Housing Strategy Plan identifies ADUs as ways of “providing basic, affordable accommodations for households that do not need much space while potentially providing a source of rental income for homeowners.” Additionally, ADUs could serve as an accessible option for renters at or below 120% area median income.
The public hearing will occur during the Aug. 7 Planning Commission hybrid meeting at 7 pm. Community members may attend in person in City Hall Council Chambers, 38624 SE River Street, or online.
Public comments can be made during the hearing or written comments may be submitted beforehand to City of Snoqualmie Community Development Dept., PO Box 987, Snoqualmie, WA 98065; Attn: Jonathan Kesler, AICP, Senior Planner, or to jkesler@snoqualmiewa.gov.
The proposed code amendments can be accessed by contacting the Community Development Dept. at communitydevelopment@snoqualmiewa.gov or 424-888-5337. They will also be available on the City website Meetings and Agendas page in the Aug. 7 Planning Commission meeting agenda packet by end of day, August 3.
The ADU public hearing comment record and the Planning Commission recommendation on the draft code amendments will be forwarded to the City Council for consideration and action.