Accessory Dwelling Unit Program

Overview of the Process

Designing an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to fit on your property in Ashland involves careful planning and consideration of various factors. While the City can provide free plans that have been reviewed for building code compliance, customizing your ADU design may be necessary to meet your specific needs, property constraints or design preferences. Here are the steps to design an ADU. 

1.  Assess Your Property:

Begin by evaluating your property to identify potential locations for the ADU. Some considerations include:

a.  Zoning regulations
b.  Siting and setback requirements
c.  Existing infrastructure (water, sewer, electric capacity)
d.  Vehicular and pedestrian access
e.  Any physical constraints such as existing trees, riparian areas, floodplains, wetlands or steep slopes
f.  Existing structure locations including buildings, decks and garages
g.  Potential conversion of existing floor areas within the primary home or garage into an ADU

2.  Determine Your Goals:

Clearly define the purpose of your ADU. Are you building it for rental income, housing a family member or another purpose? Understanding your goal will help answer design questions, such as layout, amenities and accessibility features, ensuring the ADU meets your specific needs. 

3.  Design Your ADU:

The City offers free ADU plans that meet local building codes, making them a great starting point. If these pre-approved plans don’t quite fit your needs, you can work with an architect or designer who understands Ashland’s regulations and the State Building Code to create custom plans tailored to your goals. This customization process allows you to tailor the ADU to your specific property constraints, and your personal expectations from layout and amenities to aesthetics.

4.  Budget and Financing:

Your design solution and local economic factors will drive the budget for your project. Once you have a budget determined, consider your financing options (i.e., using savings, obtaining a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), opting for cash-out refinancing, or securing new construction or renovation loans). Each financing method has its benefits and drawbacks; so, determine your budget and choose the option that best aligns with your financial resources. It's crucial that your budget and available financing align to ensure the project remains financially feasible and includes a contingency fund for any unexpected expenses. Consulting with design professionals and financial advisors or lenders can provide tailored advice for your situation.

5.  Construction:

Unless you are personally experienced in construction and development, have the available time and are familiar with building code requirements, consider hiring a licensed and reputable general contractor. A professional contractor ensures your ADU is built according to approved plans, adheres to local building codes and regulations, and avoids potential issues, delays and additional costs.

6.  Utilities and Infrastructure:

Coordinate with utility providers (electric, gas, water, sewer) to connect your ADU to the necessary services. Ensure compliance with utility connection requirements, including any building code mandates for the separation of utilities between the primary residence and the ADU. Proper coordination and compliance will help prevent future complications and ensure your ADU operates smoothly and legally.

7.  Landscaping and Access:

Create a landscape plan that provides a detailed illustration of fuel clearance areas for fire safety, indicates all trees to be retained, removed or planted, and details gardens, green spaces, accessible pathways, hardscaping, patios and other landscaping features. This ensures that the function and aesthetics of the property’s outdoor spaces are thoroughly considered and documented.

8.  Submit for Permits:

Once you have selected your pre-approved ADU plans and prepared a site plan, or finalized your custom ADU plans, submit them to the City for approval and obtain the necessary building permits. Your design professional or general contractor may also handle the permit submission on your behalf. Once your final ADU plan is submitted to the City Building Department, they will review your application, calculate the building and SDC fees (see Budgeting & Fees section below) and check that everything meets building codes and local zoning regulations. Once everything is in order, they'll issue a building permit and construction on your ADU can begin.

9.  Inspections:

As construction progresses, you or your contractor will need to schedule inspections with the City at different stages of the build to make sure everything is up to code and meets safety standards. Once the construction is finished and all inspections are passed, you'll be able to get a Certificate of Occupancy, which means your ADU is ready to be used as planned.

Free Pre-Approved ADU Plans

The City offers free ADU plans that have been pre-approved to meet local building codes. A complete set of the plans will be made available to Ashland property owners after a free 30-minute consultation with the Ashland Planning Division. During this meeting, a city planner will review your particular site and provide valuable guidance on the permit application process, helping you understand zoning requirements, building codes and any other considerations for your ADU project. 

If you are interested in selecting a pre-approved ADU plan, please contact the Community Development Department via Email or  call 541-488-5305. 

The City offers seven pre-approved design options. 

Click on ADU images below to view exterior renderings and floor plans. 

The Barn | 528 square feet |1 bedroom, 1 bath

The Sherrell | 812 square feet | 2 bedroom, 2 bath

The Joel | 576 square feet | 1 bedroom, 1 bath | Available with gable or shed roof

The Dogwood | 364 square feet | 1 bedroom, 1 bath | Studio

The Magnolia | ADA Unit | 660 square feet | 1 bedroom, 1 bath

The Beech | 660 square feet | 1 bedroom, 1 bath

The Myrtle | 364 square feet | 1 bedroom, 1 bath | ADU above a single car garage

Option 1 - Pre-Approved ADU Plan:

Select from the pre-approved ADU plans available free of charge through the Ashland ADU Program. If you intend to modify any of these plans, please see Option 2 below to coordinate with the original architect or designer. 

Option 2 - Customize a Design:

Tailor the ADU to your specific needs and preferences by working with an experienced designer or architect familiar with local zoning and building codes. 

Step #1

Obtain construction drawings detailing all aspects of the ADU.

Step #2

Prepare a detailed site plan including building locations, property lines, lot coverage and utility locations.

Step #3

Include energy-efficient and accessibility features, if proposed.

Step #4

Complete the Residential Building Permit Submittal Package and New Address Application Form. Review all documents for accuracy prior to submission. 

Step #5

Submit via Email for review and permit issuance or Apply Online with Citizen Self Service. 

Determining construction costs for your Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a critical step in the development process. Collaborating with professionals such as architects, designers or contractors can be immensely beneficial in providing accurate estimates for the overall construction expenses. These estimates typically encompass various components, including foundation work, utility extensions and the construction itself.

As a general guideline, construction costs for ADUs in the City can typically range from approximately $150 per square foot for conversion of an existing portion of your home or garage, to between $250 and $500 per square foot for new construction. Smaller, more straightforward ADUs and those incorporated into existing buildings tend to fall toward the lower end of this range, while larger dwellings with high-end finishes and amenities, or those located in physically constrained areas may fall toward the higher end.

City Permitting Fees

When considering the development of an ADU in the City, it's essential to factor in additional fees that can impact your budget. The City fees which impact the budget include Building Permit Fees and System Development Charges (SDCs).

Building Permit Fees:

Building permits are required for the construction or renovation of ADUs in Ashland. The cost of these permits varies depending on the size and complexity of your ADU project. To find detailed information about the current fee schedule for Residential Building Permit Fees in Ashland, please refer to the City of Ashland's fee schedule (PDF).

System Development Charges (SDCs): 

SDCs are one-time fees assessed by the City to cover the cost of expanding public infrastructure and services to accommodate new developments. In Ashland, the structure of SDCs is designed to incentivize the creation of smaller dwellings. Specifically, for ADUs:

• Units under 500 sq. ft. receive a 50% discount of the required SDCs
• Units between 500 sq. ft. and 800 sq. ft. receive a 25% discount of the required SDCs
• Units over 800 sq. ft. are charged 100% of the SDCs for the dwelling

This tiered approach to SDCs promotes the development of smaller ADUs, which typically have proportionately lower rents and are thus more affordable to renters. Consequently, the City's incentive for small ADUs supports greater affordability.

To find detailed information about the current Residential SDC fee schedule, please refer to the City of Ashland Residential SDC Handout (PDF).

Utility Fees

Utility connection fees are a crucial aspect of the overall cost considerations when developing an ADU in the City. In Ashland, there are multiple utility providers, each with its associated connection fees:

• Electric Service: Your new ADU will require its own electric meter, which will incur connection fees. These fees vary based on the complexity of the required electrical work. A licensed electrician can evaluate your existing electrical service to determine if you have enough capacity or if a service upgrade is needed for an additional dwelling. See Electrical Service Requirements (PDF) for additional information. For current information on electric meter connection fees, please contact the Electric Department at 541-488-5357 during regular business hours.
• Gas Service: For natural gas service for heating, cooking, or other uses in your ADU, Avista serves as the primary gas utility provider in Ashland. Avista may charge connection fees for establishing new gas service or modifying existing connections to accommodate your ADU. The specific fees will depend on factors like the proximity to existing gas lines and the extent of the required work. The installation of gas service may not be necessary in your ADU as electrical appliances and heating and cooling systems can be both cost-effective and environmentally beneficial. Additionally, to maintain indoor air quality, specific gas appliances may be inappropriate in some circumstances. Therefore, it is important to verify with the Ashland Conservation Division and Building Division if the intended appliances are compliant with local law relating to indoor air quality. This ensures that your ADU meets all safety and environmental regulations.
• Water and Sewer Connections: ADUs often have the advantage of connecting to the existing water and sewer lines on a property, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming installation of new utility lines. This streamlined approach not only simplifies the development process but also enhances the sustainability and cost-efficiency of the project. However, it's essential to be aware that separating utility services for the ADU may create the potential for future land division, allowing the ADU to become an independent property on its own lot. This consideration is significant, as it can impact property ownership and land use in the long term, offering flexibility for property owners to adapt to changing needs and regulations.

When planning your ADU project, it is essential to engage with these utility providers to determine the precise connection fees applicable to your specific project. Keep in mind that utility connection fees are typically separate from other utility-related costs, and they should be included in your overall budgeting and planning.

Ashland Community Development Department

51 Winburn Way, Ashland, OR 97520
Phone: 541-488-5305
Building Division Email  
Planning Division Email  

Historic Preservation Advisory Committee review board consultation: Call 541-488-5305 for an appointment

Ashland Climate, Energy & Conservation Division:

Climate Energy Conservation Email

Ashland Public Works & Engineering Department

Phone: 541-488-5587
Public Works & Engineering Department Email  

Ashland Electric Department

Phone:  541-552-2389 for New Construction and/or Service 
Electric Department Email   

Ashland Fire Department

Phone: 541-482-2770
Ashland Fire Department Email  

• City of Ashland ADU Program Guide (PDF)
• Sample Site Plan (PDF)
• City of Ashland Residential Building Permit Application Package (PDF)
• Commonly Asked Questions About Obtaining Permits (PDF)
• Benefits of Building Permits (PDF)
• State of Oregon Building Code
• Southern Oregon Rental Owners Association (SOROA)
• Oregon Rental Housing Association (ORHA)
• Fair Housing Council of Oregon (FHCO)