Want to build an ADU? Bellingham’s pre-approved plan can fast-track that process
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Bellingham approved its first pre-approved ADU design, streamlining permits.
- Homeowners can purchase the 'Lumen' ADU plan, reducing design and review costs.
- City promotes ADUs to boost infill development, housing supply, and affordability.
The city of Bellingham just approved its first registered Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plan as a way to encourage this type of housing by streamlining the process for homeowners.
The city’s first pre-approved ADU is called the “Lumen.” It is a 1,000-square-foot, individual structure design with two bedrooms and one bathroom, created by local architect Jennifer Jones.
It’s officially a pre-approved plan for use within city limits, which means homeowners can simply purchase the plan from the architect that designed it, reducing the time and costs involved with permitting and design.
The city put the registered plan program into its code almost two decades ago for single-unit residential buildings, such as townhouses and ADUs, built under the International Residential Code, according to Bellingham Planning and Community Development Director Blake Lyon.
Lumen is the first ADU to be registered.
“Registered plans provide an option that may make these housing projects more accessible to some by reducing costs, reducing timelines, and providing greater efficiency,” Lyon said in a statement to The Herald.
“This can give someone an opportunity to build an ADU they otherwise would not have been able to afford, or it may give a property owner the opportunity to build a second one. In both cases, registered designs can help add more supply to our community’s housing stock faster.”
An ADU is defined as a separate, self-contained residential unit located on the same lot as an existing single-family home, according to the city. Independent of the main home, it has all the basic facilities needed for day-to-day living, such as a kitchen, sleeping area and bathroom.
ADUs can be separate units within an existing home, such as in an attic or basement. They can also be developed as an addition to the home or in a completely separate structure on the same lot.
“ADUs are seen as a valuable component in achieving the City’s infill housing goals,” the city said at its website. “There are many benefits to enabling ADU development in Bellingham, including increasing housing choice and affordability as well as providing an opportunity for homeowners to earn additional income, age in place, or care for an ailing relative.”
According to Jones’ website, the Lumen design and permitting set is purchasable for about $1,000 and provides approximately 90% of the drawings needed for a building permit. However, final permit approval will still require site-specific engineering and a custom site plan, according to the website.
“Registered plans can be purchased from the architect of record and used by property owners as a sort of template for projects, giving them an opportunity to pursue a project without needing a lot of prior development experience,” Lyon told The Herald. “This saves them the time and expense of creating new plans and then having to navigate a full review process because the plans have already undergone building code review.”
Very few architects have utilized the registered plan program, and it has been years since the city has had a registered plan, according to Lyon.
“It would be great to see more architects and designers registering their plans, giving our community a portfolio of ADU options to choose from. These housing types are crucial to our effort to increase housing opportunities for our community while supporting infill development, which is better for the environment,” Lyon said.
