Post by Peter Barich
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Kol Peterson, the folks at accessorydwellings.org, and the entire ADU community, progress is being made in the evolution of ADU policy. Despite an attempt at a last minute amendment from Amanda Fritz, an outpouring of written support for the original code update directed towards Portland City Council members led to the passing of the Accessory Structures Zoning Code Update . The update includes the following, quite pertinent updates for ADUs:
The other issue that has put ADU projects in the spotlight is the Multnomah County tax issue regarding the reappraisal of property values (re-MAV). It's clear that detached ADUs are triggering property re-MAVs that account for the value of the new ADU but now also reappraise the existing home on the property as if it were new construction or had been re-zoned. The result is huge annual tax hikes for homeowners that add new, detached ADUs on their lot. Thankfully, Commissioner Loretta Smith and others are speaking out against the new policy for re-MAV-ing properties with detached ADU projects. If you are a homeowner impacted by this you can appeal the new tax assessment and join forces with others through accessorydwellings.org. Consider emailing County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury [email protected] and David Austin [email protected] to let them know how their assessment policy is affecting you! Let's not increase the barriers to affordable, space-efficient housing options in a Portland dealing with such growing pains!
- Small ( <24' long), single story, detached, covered accessory structures in the side and rear setback are allowed!
- Detached ADU's less than 15' high are not required to look like a miniature version of the main house.
- The height limit on detached ADUs is increased to 20'.
- Setback from the front lot line is reduced to 40' (instead of 60') or set directly behind the rear of the house.
- Design compatibility standards for larger ADU's have been relaxed to include more design options.
The other issue that has put ADU projects in the spotlight is the Multnomah County tax issue regarding the reappraisal of property values (re-MAV). It's clear that detached ADUs are triggering property re-MAVs that account for the value of the new ADU but now also reappraise the existing home on the property as if it were new construction or had been re-zoned. The result is huge annual tax hikes for homeowners that add new, detached ADUs on their lot. Thankfully, Commissioner Loretta Smith and others are speaking out against the new policy for re-MAV-ing properties with detached ADU projects. If you are a homeowner impacted by this you can appeal the new tax assessment and join forces with others through accessorydwellings.org. Consider emailing County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury [email protected] and David Austin [email protected] to let them know how their assessment policy is affecting you! Let's not increase the barriers to affordable, space-efficient housing options in a Portland dealing with such growing pains!
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