Why Homeowners in Vancouver and Those We Serve in Camas, Ridgefield & Washougal, Are Turning to ADUs
Tight housing supply, multigenerational living, and the desire for supplemental rental income have made the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) a favorite upgrade in Southwest Washington. Whether you envision a backyard cottage for aging parents, a studio for your college‑age child, or an income‑producing rental, a well‑built ADU can add livable space and lasting value without leaving the neighborhood you love.
Key City of Vancouver ADU Rules Explained in Vancouver WA
Before you pour a foundation or sketch a floor plan, it’s important to understand how Vancouver’s development code treats ADUs.
1. Permit & Application Requirements
Every ADU—detached, attached, or a garage conversion—must be approved through the City’s residential building permit process. Vancouver requires a standard building permit plus an “ADU Supplemental” application that spells out the project’s square footage, layout, and intended use. Detached units are submitted under the “Residential – New Construction” pathway, while interior conversions use the “Residential – All Other” track. The City of Vancouver, WA
2. How Many ADUs Can One Property Have?
Recent state‑level housing reforms allow up to two ADUs per lot in Vancouver. This flexibility gives homeowners room to create both an attached suite and a detached cottage—doubling housing options on a single parcel. The City of Vancouver, WA
3. Size Limits and Space Planning
The City caps each ADU at 1,000 sq ft—plenty of room for a comfortable one‑ or two‑bedroom layout—while still requiring that the unit meet the minimum square‑footage standards of the Washington State Building Code. The City of Vancouver, WA
4. Owner Occupancy & Covenants
Unlike older ordinances, Vancouver no longer forces owners to live on‑site or record restrictive covenants. This change opens the door to more flexible rental or family‑use arrangements. The City of Vancouver, WA
5. Parking, Setbacks & Visual Design
No additional on‑site parking is required, provided you keep at least one legal parking space for the main dwelling. The ADU must respect the same setbacks and lot‑coverage limits that apply to your primary home, but it no longer has to be visually subordinate or architecturally identical. The City of Vancouver, WA
6. Tax Relief Opportunity
Qualifying homeowners may receive a three‑year property‑tax exemption on the value of their new ADU—if they file with the Clark County Assessor before construction wraps up. The City of Vancouver, WA
7. Utilities & Energy Compliance
Building a detached unit often means verifying transformer capacity with Clark Public Utilities and completing separate energy‑code forms for the new dwelling. Our team ensures these technical steps never hold up your timeline. The City of Vancouver, WA
Navigating Other Local Jurisdictions l Vancouver WA
Camas, Ridgefield, and Washougal each publish their own ADU standards—generally mirroring Vancouver on size, setbacks, and parking but differing in design review thresholds and fee schedules. Because we work in all four cities, Rybak & Company LLC tailors every plan set and permit package to the exact code language of the jurisdiction in which we’re building.
How Rybak & Company LLC Simplifies the Process
- Feasibility & Budgeting: We walk your lot, verify zoning, and provide realistic cost ranges, including site prep and utility upgrades.
- Design‑Build Expertise: Our in‑house designers marry your wish list with local code, producing plans that clear the first round of city review.
- Permit Management: We handle every submittal, correction, and inspection so you stay focused on your day‑to‑day life.
- Craftsmanship That Shows: From premium siding to energy‑efficient windows, we deliver high‑end finishes that stand the test of time and Northwest weather.
Start Your ADU Journey Today – Request an Estimate
Looking for an ADU estimate in Vancouver? Choose Rybak & Company LLC, your trusted builder serving Vancouver, Camas, Ridgefield, and Washougal. Reach out now to schedule a free, no‑obligation consultation and discover just how rewarding an accessory dwelling unit can be for your property and your future.
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