An Argument for a Larger ADU
As part of the land use review process, the applicant must demonstrate that their zoning adjustment will meet or exceed the purpose of the zone (here’s the criteria: Adjustment Approval Criteria (PDF))
As part of this process, I am citing other properties in the neighborhood that either have a similar amount of building-to-land ratio or where the main structure is at or above the square footage of the new ADU. The general idea is to show that the new ADU, while bigger than the main house, is still in keeping with the scale of other buildings in the neighborhood (and won’t overshadow them). Here’s a list:
- 6019 NE Mason (952 Sq ft Main + 504 sq ft finished Attic + 378 sq ft garage + 840sq ft ADU + 78sq ft of covered porch). Lot size is smaller (8824 sq ft). This is a GREAT property to use for the argument. Zoning is identical and the house is less than 100yards from my property. Their lot size is smaller, yet there is more coverage than I would be proposing.
- 5948 NE Mason (1680 sq. ft. – immediately east of ADU property) This is an excellent comparison as the property is similar in size (12k) and the house is a two-story home. It’s the same zoning (R7)
- 5910 NE Mason (2000 Sq. Ft Main, 500 Sq Ft detached garage). Lot size is similar – 12k sq. ft. This house is currently under construction, and the lot is zoned R2 (multi residential)
- 6107 NE Failing St (1262 sq feet on main, 500 sq ft garage, 150 sq ft covered patio). Lot size is smaller (7200 sq ft).
- 6025 NE Failing (1598 Sq. Ft.) This two-story home is a good comparison for size, though the lot is rather large (20k sq. ft.).
- 6023 NE Failing (1324 Sq. Ft.) This house is not an excellent candidate for this argument, but it is the house directly behind our property and will be most affected by new construction.