Written by: Ted Corey, Building Official, City of Edmonds
Communities across Washington are facing a common challenge: How do we make more housing options available while also making the permitting process easier, faster, and more predictable? In Edmonds, we're working to answer that question through a variety of housing initiatives. One promising effort is our Pre-Approved Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) Plan Program, designed to reduce barriers to building small, detached homes on existing residential properties.
At its core, the program is about expanding housing opportunities by making the permitting process more efficient and predictable. We recognize that some homeowners may want to add housing to their property but face uncertainty about design costs, building requirements, and the permit approval process. This program is designed to address those challenges.
The concept is straightforward. Architects and designers can submit DADU plans to the City for review and approval. Once approved, the plans are added to a City-maintained catalog and made available for purchase. Instead of commissioning a new design and starting the building plan review process from scratch, homeowners can select a professionally designed plan that has already been reviewed and approved for building code compliance.
This approach benefits everyone involved. Homeowners gain access to quality designs at a predictable and affordable cost. Architects and designers have an opportunity to market and reuse their plans. City permit reviewers can focus on site-specific requirements rather than repeatedly reviewing the same building designs. Most importantly, completing the building plan review in advance can help move projects through the permitting process more quickly.
Affordability is a particularly important feature of Edmonds' program. Plans included in the catalog are capped at a maximum sales price of $1,000. By significantly reducing design expenses, we hope to make high-quality housing plans accessible to more residents. For homeowners considering adding a small home to their property, a pre-approved plan can offer a practical and affordable alternative without compromising quality or safety.
It's important to understand what pre-approved means—and what it does not mean. The City's approval applies to the building design itself. Homeowners must still submit site-specific information, including site plans and, where required, civil plans. Factors such as utility connections, grading, drainage, setbacks, access, and environmental constraints must still be evaluated through the normal permit review process. The benefit is that the building design has already undergone review, potentially saving valuable time during permitting.
The program also provides some flexibility for homeowners. Approved plans may include up to four design options, such as different roof forms, siding treatments, or entry configurations. Homeowners can choose from these approved options while maintaining compliance with the original plan set. This allows for some customization without losing the efficiency benefits of a pre-approved design.
Another advantage is the program's potential to support multiple housing strategies. Some plans may qualify for use not only as detached accessory dwelling units but also in cottage housing developments. Catalog listings will identify whether each plan is approved for DADU use, cottage housing, or both.
The City is currently accepting applications from architects, designers, and other qualified design professionals interested in having their plans included in the catalog. Building a diverse collection of high-quality designs will give homeowners more choices while helping streamline housing development throughout Edmonds. Interested professionals can submit applications through MyBuildingPermit.com.
Ultimately, this program reflects a broader goal guiding much of our work in Edmonds: removing unnecessary barriers to housing development while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and neighborhood compatibility.
A DADU can provide a home for an adult child, an aging parent, or another family member. It can also create rental income for a homeowner while adding to Edmonds' overall housing supply. By making the process of adding this type of housing more accessible and predictable, we're giving residents another practical way to meet their changing housing needs.
As Edmonds continues to grow and evolve, initiatives like the Pre-Approved DADU Plan Program will play an important role in expanding housing choices while preserving the qualities that make our community a desirable place to live.