Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)

 

The City of Fircrest has recently amended the Fircrest Municipal Code (FMC) to comply with House Bill (HB) 1337, which broadly allows Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on most residential properties. The City is still working to update its online ADU-information to reflect changes that have been enacted by the Fircrest City Council. The below FAQs have been prepared to reflect common questions on ADUs and their responses, which are based on the current and recently updated ADU codes in Fircrest.

 

Can I have an ADU on my property? 

ADUs are allowed accessory uses in nearly all residential zones in the City. To find what residential zone your property is in, you can use the Fircrest GIS public portal to search for your address and see your zone. Each zone’s allowed uses are listed in FMC Title 22 – just look for the chapter entitled with your zone, and you can see whether “Accessory dwelling unit” is listed as an allowed use.

*Note that your property must still meet its minimum lot size for the principal unit for an ADU to be allowed. Lots that are smaller than their minimum lot size cannot have an ADU.

*If an ADU is allowed on your property, it may be permitted after the City reviews applications for Design Review and Building Permit and issues decisions on each.

Are Attached ADUs and Detached ADUs allowed? 

Yes. Any property allowed to have an ADU may have up to two ADUs, and they can either by attached, detached, or a combination (one attached and one detached). There is no longer a required concomitant agreement or ADU registry in Fircrest.

Are there restrictions on the size of design of ADUs?

Yes. ADUs are limited to 1,000 square feet, unless an entire floor of an existing residence is being converted into an ADU, in which case the space may exceed 1,000 square feet. If an existing garage larger than 1,000 square feet is being converted to an ADU, it may also be allowed to exceed the 1,000 square foot maximum. ADUs are also required to meet the development standards of its zone, including setbacks, floor to area ratio, lot coverage, and impervious surface maximums. In general, ADUs are limited to 24’ in height.

ADU Submittal Checklist
How Do I Apply?

All applications and required documentation, must be submitted to permits@cityoffircrest.net

 

Other FAQs

 

Does TPU require a separate Electrical Meter for my ADU?

Yes! Please follow the link to apply for new electrical services. The standard “new service fee” is $50. Electrical Engineer site visits are currently 4-6 weeks out. TPU also requires an electrical permit for an additional fee once the site visit has been completed. Please follow the link to apply for electrical permit.

Are Building Permits Required?

Yes! All building permit applications must be submitted at the time of ADU submittal.

Any work that is being done to the existing building, plumbing system, or mechanical system will require a permit from the city. This includes but is not limited to: new or altered construction of walls, stairs, guardrails, drywall; new or altered plumbing lines, added plumbing fixtures, and new or altered mechanical work, ducting, or appliances. Any newly hated space will also have to comply with the Washington State Energy Code.

Will my ADU connect to the main house water, sewer, storm drain?

Yes! The City of Fircrest requires all ADUs to connect to the main house utilities. TPU has different requirements for power.  Please see above.

What about a separate driveway?

The City only allows one driveway. See FMC 22.60.008.

How do I set up trash service for my ADU?

First, please contact the Pierce County Assessor to add the new ADU address to the Assessor’s website. You may contact them here:

Contact Information
Ph: (253) 798-6111
Fx: (253) 798-3142
Contact Us

Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Location
2401 S. 35th St.
Room 142
Tacoma, WA 98409
Directions

Next, please set up an online account with Westside Disposal at: https://www.online-billpay.com/?companyName=WESTSIDE_DISPOSAL.

Please contact Westside Disposal with any questions.

Westside Disposal
2815 Rochester St W
University Place, WA 98466
(253) 564-3212
info@uprefuse.com
8:30-4:30 Monday-Friday
Yard Waste Dropoff 8:30-4:00 Monday-Friday