HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Hearing - BOCCGrant County Board Of County Commissioners
Please Sign In For The Record
PUBLIC HEARING 2026 Comprehensive Plan Amendments
DATE May 19, 2026
TIME 1: 00 PM
Please Print Your Name Clearly
NAME REPRESENTING CONTACT INFO: PHONE/E-MAIL
https://granteountywa.sharepoint.com/teams/BOCC/Shared Documents/General/Templates/Public Hearings/0 Sign In Sheet, Open Record.docx
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
264 West Division Ave. 9 PO Box 37
Ephrata, WA 98823
GRANT COUNTY
WA H NGTON
:1
N
PLANNING DIVISION
(509) 754-2011 Ext. 2501
Plan ningDivision@grantcountywa.gov
GRANT COUNTY, WASHINGTON
UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) AMENDMENT
STAFF REPORT
Date: March 11, 2026
To: Grant County Planning Commission
From: Jim Anderson -Cook, Director
Applicant: Grant County
P.O. Box 37
Ephrata, WA 98823
Project Number: P 26-0053
Description of Proposal: Amending Chapter 23.08.020 - Accessory Uses and Structures - of the
Grant County Unified Development Code to comply with RCW 36.70A.680 and 36.70A.681, which
addresses accessory dwelling units (ADU) both within, and outside of, urban growth areas and to align
more closely with the approval of House Bill 1345 which outlines specific criteria for detached ADUs in
rural unincorporated areas.
Location of Proposal: Grant County, WA.
Zoning: Countywide.
Staff Analysis and Recommendation:
Staff recommends APPROVAL WITH MODIFICATIONS of the Unified Development Code amendment
application File #P 26-0053. Staff previously recommended in Subsection (c)a.(7) that an ADU be limited
to one thousand twelve hundred ninety-six (1,296) square feet or not more than fifty-five (55) percent of
the principal unit's gross floor area, whichever is smaller. The Planning Commission recommend
removing the fifty-five (55) percent gross floor area limitation, allowing ADU's to become established at
a fixed twelve hundred ninety-six (1,296) square feet. Staff finds this change inconsistent with the intent
of maintaining ADUs as subordinate to the primary dwelling and notes it could effectively allow
development comparable to a duplex, contrary to current policy.
PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION:
At their open record hearing held on March 18, 2026, the Planning Commission considered the Staff
Report and application materials for the Unified Development Code change request. There were no
public comments received about this proposal. Following the public hearing and discussion, the
Commission voted unanimously to recommend APPROVAL WITH MODIFICATIONS of this Unified
Development Code amendment request based upon the eight (8) findings of fact as well as plan
consistency, process compliance, and clear public benefit.
"To foster a thriving, resilient, and safe community through innovative planning, efficient building processes, and robust fire prevention measures."
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ACTION:
At this public hearing, the Board of County Commissioners may:
1. Uphold the recommendation of the Planning Commission, or;
2. Uphold the recommendation of the Planning Commission with additional conditions, or:
3. Modify the recommendation of approval with or without the applicant's concurrence so long as
the modification does not increase the area or scope of the project, increase the density of the
project or increase the adverse environmental impacts of the proposal, or"
4. Deny the requested amendment, or;
5. Deny with prejudice, or;
6. Remand the application to the Planning Commission for further proceedings.
If the Board of County Commissioners chooses to MODIFY THE RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL
of the Planning Commission and APPROVE the subject Unified Development Code amendment
application WITH MODIFICATIONS, they may wish to use the suggested motion below.
"/ make a motion to MODIFY THE RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL of the Planning Commission
and APPROVE the subject Unified Development Code amendment apalication,File#P26-0053)WITH
MODIFICATIONS amending. Chal2ter 23.08.020 - AccessoryUses and Structures of the Grant County
Unified Development Code '; with the eight (8) findings of fact in the affirmative.
This motion must then be seconded.
FINDINGS OF FACT:
1. Adequate information has been provided to determine the intent and purpose of the proposed
amendment;
2. Adequate information has been provided to determine the impacts caused by the change,
including geographic area affected if any, and issues presented by the proposed amendment;
3. Adequate information has been provided to determine why the existing Comprehensive Plan
policies should not continue to be in effect or no longer apply;
4. Adequate information has been provided to determine if the proposed amendment complies with
community vision statements, goals, objectives and policies found in the comprehensive plan;
5. Adequate information has been provided to determine if the proposed amendment supports the
Capital Facilities and Transportation elements of the adopted Comprehensive Plan;
6. Adequate information has been provided to determine how the proposed amendment affects the
implementation of the Unified Development Code (Titles 22, 237 24, 25 of Grant County Code)
and what changes to the Unified Development Code were necessary to bring them into
compliance with the Comprehensive Plan;
7. Adequate information has been provided to determine if the proposed amendment has been
subject to any public review;
8. New specific language has been provided for the proposed amendment and in which section of
the Comprehensive Plan or Unified Development Code the new language is located.
Grant County — Unified Development Code Amendment — Staff Report -2-
File #P 26-0053
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
264 West Division Ave.. PO Box 37
Ephrata, WA 98823
GRANT COUNTY PLANNING DIVISION
WAS141NOON (509) 754-2011 Ext. 2501
MW W-.""" PlanningDivision@grantcountywa.gov
GRANT COUNTY, WASHINGTON
UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE (UDC) AMENDMENT
STAFF REPORT
Date: March 11, 2026
To: Grant County Planning Commission
From: Jim Anderson -Cook, Director
Applicant: Grant County
P.O. Box 37
Ephrata, WA 98823
Project Number: P 26-0053
Description of Proposal: Amending Chapter 23.08.020 - Accessory Uses and Structures - of the
Grant County Unified Development Code to comply with RCW 36.70A.680, 36.70A.681, which addresses
accessory dwelling units (ADU) both within, and outside of, urban growth areas and to align more closely
with the anticipated approval of the proposed 2026 House Bill 1345 which outlines specific criteria for
detached ADUs in rural unincorporated areas.
Location of Proposal: Grant County, WA.
Zoning: Countywide.
Environmental Review: SEPA is currently under review by Grant County, and is anticipated to issue
a notice of Determination of Non -Significance on March 16, 2026.
Public and Agency
Comments: A Public Notice containing information on this project was published in the Columbia Basin
Herald on March 2, 2026. Information on this project was also mailed to applicable agencies of
jurisdiction and special interest groups for their review and comment. The public, agency, and special
interest group comment period ends on March 16, 2026.
Reviewing Agencies & Special Interest Groups responses at the time of publication of this Staff
Report:
Agencies Notified
Response
Received
Agencies Notified
g tied
Response
Received
Grant County Fire Marshal/Building
N
Grant County Treasurer's
Official
one
Office
None
Grant County Emergency
None
Grant County Assessor's
Management
Office
None
Grant County Health
None
Grant County Auditor
District
None
Grant County Sheriff's Office
None
Grant County Prosecuting
Attorne Y's Office
None
Grant County Public
None
Wanapum Band of Indians
Works Department
None
"To foster a thriving resilient, and safe come?unity through innovative planning efficient building pro; esses, and robust fire prevention measures."
Attachment A
March 113 2026
Planning Commission Staff Report
Grant County — Unified Development Code Amendment — Staff Report
- 3 -
File #P 26-0053
US Bureau of Reclamation
Wanapum Tribe
None
None
US Bureau of Land Management
Colville Confederated
None
Tribes
None
Confederated Tribes & Bands of the
WA Department of
Yakama Indian Nation
None
Commerce GMA Review
None
Team
WA Department of Ecology SEPA Unit
WA Department of Health
None
& Drinking Water
3/9/2026
WA Department of Fish & Wildlife
WA Department of Natural
None
Resources
None
WA Parks and Recreation
WA Department of
Commission
None
Transportation
3/10/2026
WA Department of Archeology &
WA Department of
Historic Preservation
None
Agriculture
None
City of Moses Lake
City of Ephrata
None
None
City of Quincy
City of Mattawa
None
None
City of Warden
City of Royal City
None
None
City of George
City of Soap Lake
None
None
City of Grand Coulee
City of Electric City
None
None
Town of Coulee City
Town of Wilson Creek
None
None
Town of Hartline
Grant County PUD
None
None
Port of Moses Lake
Quincy Columbia Basin
None
Irrigation District
None
East Columbia Basin Irrigation District
South Columbia Basin
None
Irrigation District
None
Natural Resource Conservation
Future Wise
None
None
NAS Whidbey Island
None
Comments:
The following is a summary of any public, agency, and special interest group comments received.
1. All public, agency, and special interest group comments can be found in "Attachment B."
Grant County Unified Development Code Amendment — Staff Report
File #P 26-0053 — Chapter 23.08.020 Accessory Uses & Structures - 2 -
Staff Comments and Analysis:
1. This proposal was processed as a Legislative Action in accordance with Grant County Code §
25.12, Legislative Actions.
2. Application was determined to be Technically Complete on February 25, 2026.
3. ®n March 3, 2026, Grant County received a letter from the Department of Commerce
acknowledging receipt of Grant County's request for Expedited Review / Notice of Intent to Adopt
Amendment (2026-S-11572) under RCW 36.70A. 1 06(3)(b). Commerce has forwarded a copy of
this notice to other state agencies for expedited review and comment. If one or more state
agencies indicate that they will be commenting, then Commerce will deny expedited review and
the standard 60-day review period (from date received) will apply. Commerce will notify Grant
County by e-mail regarding approval or denial of their expedited review request. If approved for
expedited review, then final adoption may occur no earlier than fifteen calendar days after the
original date of receipt by Commerce (3/2/2026). Grant County, has met the procedural
requirement outlined in RCW 36.70A.106.
4. A copy of the proposed chapter of the Unified Development Code can be in Attachment A of this
Staff Report.
5. The proposed amendment is considerate of the requirements found in RCW 36.70B "Local Project
Review."
6. No substantive public, agency, or special interest group comments have been received at the
time of the -publication of this Staff Report regarding the proposed UDC amendment.
Analysis and Recommendation:
These Findings of Fact have been developed by Grant County Planning Staff, and it has been determined
that this proposal complies with these findings as outlined below and recommends APPROVAL of the
proposed amendments conditioned upon approval of expedited review by Commerce:
1. What is proposed to be changed and why?
Staff Response:
The Grant County Development Services Department is proposing to amend UDC 23.08.020 - Accessory
Uses and Structures to comg/y with RCW 36.70A. 680, 36.70A.681 , which addresses accessory dwelling
rl
units LADU) both with and outside of, urban gro th areas and to a closet v with the anticipated
apj2roval of the proposed 20216 House Bill 1345 which outlines s ecific criteria for detached ADUs in rural
unincorporated areas. The proposed amendment to GCC 23.08.020 substantially aligns with the core
development re or detached accessoty dwelling units LELADU
gulation requirements of EHB 1345 fo
r
located outside urban --growth areasLgAsJincludin_qthe one AD UQerparce/ limitmaximum un
it size
Z
of 1,296 s uare feetuse of a shared drivewa/ in-wess and
, sifinq within 150 feet of the principal unit, ,
egress, arohibition of DADUs on nonconformim lots under one acre, and com liance with state and local
water -supply and septic Isewer adequacy standards
2. , What are the anticipated impacts caused by the change, including geographic area affected if
any, and issues presented?
Staff Response:
There are no anticipated additional impacts should this change take place.
3. Why should the existing Comprehensive Plan policies no longer continue to be in effect or no
longer apply?
Grant County Unified Development Code Amendment — Staff Report -3-
File #P 26-0053 — Chapter 23.08.020 Accessory Uses & Structures
Staff Response:
This change, if granted, will build upon the existing Goals and Policies found in the Grant Counter
Comprehensive Plan. All existinq Comprehensive Plan Policies shall continue to be in effect and shall
continue to apply.
4. Does the proposed amendment comply with community vision statements, goals, objectives, and
policies found in the Comprehensive Plan?
Staff Response:
This change, if wanted, reaffirms Grant Countv's responsibility in local government planning and
implementation found in 1.6 of the Grant Count v Comprehensive Plan, specificafiv developing, adopting,,
and implementinq comprehensive plans and development regulations and the processing of land use
permits within the unincorporatedportionsof the County
5. Do the Capital Facilities and Transportation elements support the proposed amendment?
Staff Response:
n
Capital facilities plan (CEP) are one of six elements required by the GMA and are required to incorporate
plans for capital facilities of state and/or regional significance, adjacent local governments, and special
districts. This chanqe, if granted, would comply with the Grant County CFP and TIP.
6. How does the proposed amendment affect the implementation of the Unified Development Code
(Titles 22, 23, 24, 25 of Grant County Code) and what changes to the Unified Development Code
are necessary to bring, them into compliance with the Comprehensive Plan?
Staff response:
A change in Grant CountZs Unified Development Code is directly relevant to its Comprehensive Plan
because the Development Code serves as the regulatory framework that implements the Goals and
Policies laid out in the Comprehensive Plan. This proposed application amends GCC 24.08.020 -
Accessory Uses and Structures. See attached for summary of change .
7. Has this proposal been subject to any public review prior to submittal? if so, describe the review
that was provided.
Staff response:
During legislative hearings on HB 1345, county associations-, builders, and housing advocates large) y
supported the bffl as a narrow rural housinq tool that allows detached ADUs outside UGAs under strict
development limits Lsize, sitinq access, and utilitv safe quards). Testimony Nqhfkqhted provisions
requlnn.q trackinq of rural detached ADUs, repodiMto Commerce, and incorporation of thiswowth into
periodic GMA comprehensive plan updates,
with caps on the share of rural copulation targets allocated
to these units. Opposing and cautionary testimony focused on Potential incremental pressure on rural
lands, administrative and enforcement capacity at the county level, and whether a uniform state
framework for detached rural ADUs will fit the circumstances of all GMA counties- PaR.qnrl I-/ntj.,QP- r)n
112212026. Passed Senate on 31312026. Speaker of the House signed on 31412026. President of the
Senate signed on 31612026. At the time of publication of this Staff Report, HB 1345 has been delivered
to Governor Ferguson for signature. The En-qrossed House Bill report (EHB 1345) can be found in
Attachment C -
8. Has specific suggested new language been provided? Which section of the Comprehensive Plan
or Unified Development Code is the new language located?
Staff response:
See GCC 24.08.020 - Accessory Uses and Structures in Attachment A
Grant County Unified Development Code Amendment - Staff Report
File #P 26-0053 - Chapter 23.08.020 Accessory Uses & Structures - 4 -
FINDINGS ®F FACT
The Planning Commission may want to consider the following criteria in making a recommendation to
the Board of County Commissioners. If the Grant County Planning Commission makes a
recommendation to either approve, approve with conditions, or deny this proposal, a written record of the
case and the findings of fact upon which the action is based shall be included (RCW 36.70.900). The
following criteria of approval should be considered and may be used as findings of fact for this proposal:
1. Adequate information has been provided to determine the intent and purpose of the proposed
amendment;
2. Adequate information has been provided to determine the impacts caused by the change,
including geographic area affected if any, and issues presented by the proposed amendment;
3. Adequate information has been provided to determine why the existing Comprehensive Plan
policies should not continue to be in effect or no longer apply;
4. Adequate information has been provided to determine if the proposed amendment complies with
community vision statements, goals, objectives and policies found in the comprehensive plan;
5. Adequate information has been provided to determine that the proposed amendment applies to
the Capital Facilities and Transportation elements of the adopted Comprehensive Plan;
6. Adequate information has been provided to determine how the proposed amendment affects the
implementation of the Unified Development Code (Titles 22, 23, 24, 25 of Grant County Code)
and what changes to the Unified Development Code were necessary to bring them into
compliance with the Comprehensive Plan;
7. Adequate information has been provided to determine if the proposed amendment has been
subject to any public review;
8. New specific language has been provided for the proposed amendment and in which section of
the Comprehensive Plan or Unified Development Code the new language is located.
Action:
The Planning Commission should make a recommendation to the Grant County Board of Commissioners,
which may include either to approve, approve with modifications, or deny this request for a Unified
Development Code amendment.
1. An amendment to Chapter 25.24 of the Grant County Unified Development Code to adopt rules
establishing a countywide process for certifying and regulating shrubsteppe mitigation banks.
Motion:
If the Planning Commission chooses to uphold the recommendation of Staff, they may wish to use the
suggested motion below.
"I make a motion to recommend to the Board of County Commissioners to approve the subject
amendment (File # P26-0053) amending Chapter 23.08.020 - Accessory Uses and Structures - of the
Grant County Unified Development Code to comply with RCW 36.70A.680,36.70A.681, which addresses
accessory dwelling units (ADU) both within, and outside of, urban growth areas and to align more closely
with the anticipated approval of the proposed 2026 House Bill 1345 which outlines specific criteria for
detached ADUs in rural unincorporated areas."
This motion must then be seconded.
Grant County Unified Development Code Amendment — Staff Report -5-
File #P 26-0053 — Chapter 23.08.020 Accessory Uses & Structures
ATTACHMENT A
Proposed amendments to Unified Development Code 23.08.020 - Accessory Uses and Structures
Grant County Unified Development Code Amendment — Staff Report
File #P 26-0053 — Chapter 23.08.020 Accessory Uses & Structures - 6 -
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
254 Division Avenue W • PCB Box 37
Ephrata, WA 98823
GRANT COUNW ,
AS INGTON
E;
PLANNING DIVISION
(509) 754-2011 Ext. 2501
PLanningDivision@grantcountywa.gov
PROPOSED DRAFT
Devised March 3, 2026
Grant County UDC 23.08.020 Accessory Uses and Structures
Subsection (c) —Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
a. Accessory dwelling units (ADU) are additional smaller, subordinate residential dwelling
units located on the same lot as a legally established principal unit. An accessory dwelling
unit may be an attached accessory dwelling unit (AADU), located either within the same
building or attached to the principal unit, or a detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU)
detached from the principal unit. ADUs are intended to increase the supply of a greater
range of housing types in zoning districts with residential capacity.
(1) Subject to the requirements of this section, a manufactured or modular home,
including park model RV's, can be considered an ADU. All other recreational
vehicles are prohibited from being used as an ADU.
(2) All accessory dwelling units shall be occupied as permanent residences and may
not be used, rented, or leased as transient short-term rentals (periods of less than
thirty (30) consecutive days).
(3) Accessory dwelling units shall be subject to the water supply requirements of RCW
19.27.097 and any groundwater mitigation requirements adopted by the County or
Department of Ecology.
(4) The combined water withdrawal for the accessory dwelling unit, the principal unit,
and any other domestic uses on the parcel may not exceed the use limitations in
RCW 90.44.050 for domestic use.
(5) The applicant must provide documentation that the existing or proposed sewage or
septic system is capable of handling the additional demand placed upon it by the
accessory dwelling unit.
a, inrak feet or
tr• erY,nl[or
Mf5l_
The "gross floor area" means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit including
basements and attics (Figure 7). Gross floor area excludes garages, porches,
unfinished basements, or accessory structures.
O)LZLThe entire basement floor area of a principal unit may be utilized as an attached
accessory dwelling unit (AADU), provided:
(A) The AADU has a separate exterior entrance;
(13) There is no internal access or connectivity between the AADU and the principal
unit; and
(C) The gross floor area of the basement AADU does not exceed the gross floor
area of the main floor of the principal unit.
(D) A basement AADU may be exempt from the fifty-five (55) percent threshold per
GCC 23.08.020(a)(6), however in no event shall the basement AADU exceed
twelve hundred ninety-six (1,296) square feet (Figure 5).
(8) Detached accessory dwelling units must be sited within 150 feet of the principal unit.
(9) Accessory dwelling units must utilize the same driveway or other means of ingress
and egress as the principal unit.
(10) A detached accessory dwelling unit may be the existing principal unit if the existing
principal unit meets the requirements of this subsection, is asingle-family dwelling
unit, and a new principal unit that is asingle-family dwelling unit is constructed on
the same parcel.
(11) ADUs are exempt from on -site parking requirements.
b. Accessory dwelling units may be allowed in any district within an urban growth area that
allow for single-family dwellings and sited on a lot developed with an existing or planned
single-family detached dwelling, duplex, triplex, or other housing unit, subject to the
requirements of this section.
(1) Accessory dwelling units may only be allowed on lots that meet the minimum lot size
required for the principal unit.
(2) A maximum of two accessory dwelling units are permitted on a lot containing a
principal unit in the following configurations:
(A) Two attached accessory dwelling units (Figure 1);
(B) Two detached accessory dwelling units, which may be comprised of one or two
detached structures (Figure 2); or
(C) One attached accessory dwelling unit and one detached accessory dwelling
unit (Figure 3).
(3) An ADU can be no less than one hundred ninety-two 192) square feet, while the
maximum size per ADU is one thousand twelve hundred ninetvsix (1,296) square
feet or not more than fifty-five (55) percent of the total floor area of the principal unit,
whichever is greater. In no case shall an ADU exceed 1,296 square feet.
(3)L4)_For ADUs the Density, Dimension, and Open Space Standards of GCC 23.12 for
the underlying zone are modified as follows:
(A) The maximum lot coverage can be increased by five (5) percent beyond the
threshold identified for the underlying zone, however this does not exempt an
ADU from meeting SMP lot coverage standards found in GCC 24.12; and
(B) An existing structure that does not meet current setbacks or lot coverage
requirements may be converted into an accessory dwelling unit, provided that
the Administrative Official may impose additional conditions for approval
necessary to ensure public health, safety, and welfare.
c. Accessory dwelling units may be allowed in any district within unincorporated areas of
Grant County that allow for single-family dwellings and sited on a lot developed with an
UDC 23.08.020 Amendment Page 12
existing or planned single-family detached dwelling, subject to the requirements of this
section.
(1) No parcel shall have more than one accessory dwelling unit (ADU), whether
attached (AADU) or detached (DADU) (Figures 4 and 5).
An ADU can be no less than one hundred ninety-two (192) square feet, while the
maximum size per ADU is one thousand twelve hundred ninety-six (1,2961 square
feet or not more than fifty-five (55) percent of the total floor area of the principal unit,
whichever is smaller. In no case shall an ADU exceed 1,296 square feet.
A hAl nq i lnitcz -ml ist 1 ltd;z4a the saMiaz dr- la e a n s eol If it Ing gress
ai=kQQnni r- %.All Y--NZ7-V_, LT-T%, I I I 1',
n d
it l%_71t.7%.44
(3) Detached accessory dwelling units (DADU) are prohibited on lots that do not meet
the minimum required lot area, pursuant to the Density, Dimension, and Open Space
Standards of GCC 23.12 for the underlying zone. The following prohibitions also
apply:
(A) Detached accessory dwelling units are prohibited on nonconforming lots under
one acre in any zone.
(B) Detached accessory dwelling units are prohibited on lots in the Rural
Residential 1 (RR1) Zone that are less than five acres in size; and
(C) A manufactured or modular home may be utilized as a detached accessory
dwelling unit (DADU) on lots equal to or greater than 10 acres, provided:
(i) The gross floor area of the manufactured or modular home does not
exceed the gross floor area of the principal unit.
(ii) The manufactured or modular home may be exempt from the fifty-five (55)
percent threshold per GCC 23.08.020(ga)(26), however in no event shall
a manufactured or modular DADU exceed twelve hundred ninety-six
(1,296) square feet.
(4) The applicant shall record the permit issued for a detached accessory dwelling unit
(DADU) with the Grant County Auditor's Office. Recording fee shall be paid by the
applicant. The permit shall include a statement that the accessory dwelling may not
be sold as a separate residence until such time as the accessory dwelling is located
as the sole residence on a legally established separate tax lot.
UDC 23.08.020 Amendment Page 13
FIGURE 1.
UNINCORPORATED UGA
Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit(s) (AADU) within or attached to the Principal
Dwelling Unit
PRINCIPAL
DWELLING UNIT
Either one (1 ) or two (2) Attached Accessory
Dwelling Units(s) may be attached or within
principal unit
Shared
Driveway
UDC 23.08.020 Amendment Page 14
FIGURE 2.
UNINCORPORATED UGA
Principal Dwelling Unit with Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit(s) (DADU)
DADU 1
Within 150 Feet Max,
Shared
Dri'veway
DADU 2
Within 150 Feet Max.
F*IN
vYj1kTj'4 W1111 fzk LCIL11 Z 3-
EEther one ) or Wo (2) detached structures -
from pftcipal unit
UDC 23.08.020 Amendment Page 15
FIGURE 3.
UNINCORPORATED UGA
Principal Dwelling Unit with ONE Attached (AADU) and ONE Detached Accessory
Dwelling Unit (DADU)
One (1) Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit
Shared and one (1) Detacwhed Arxessory 0we1ling
Unit from. prinelpal unit
Driveway
UDC 23.08.020 Amendment Page 16
FIGURE 4.
UNICORPORATED RURAL
Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit (AADU) within or attached to the Principal Dwelling
Unit
UDC 23.08.020 Amendment Page 17
FIGURE 5.
UNICORPORATED RURAL
Principal Dwelling Unit with a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU)
I
Shared
Driveway
PRINCIPAL
DWELLING UNIT
Within 150 Feet
Max.%
FoRiffiNK
Total ADU floor area fimited to
1,296 sq.,ft,, or 55% of principal
unit floor area, whichever is
SMALLER.
UDC 23.08.020 Amendment Page 18
FIGURE 6.
UNICORPORATED UGA or RURAL
Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit(s) (AADU) within the Basement of a Principal
Dwelling Unit
PRINCIPALDWELLING UNIT
FIGURE 7.
-J-NICORPORATED UGA or RURAL
Gross floor area Included:
interior habitable are,a,.
finished basement, `fry �;�? ! �F
finished attic
------ . . . . . . .
05r,
' �- ��r � �w�Mw»� r11r �f r t i � 1 6
0-4- 00
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
E2
Gross floor area ft
excluded,: garages
I I
Porches, unfin'shed
basement, accessory
structu res
U finished
basement
UDC 23.08.020 Amendment Page 19
ATTACHMENT B
Public, Agency, and Special Interest Group Comments
Grant County Unified Development Code Amendment — Staff Report
File #P 26-0053 — Chapter 23.08.020 Accessory Uses & Structures - 7 -
Outlook
RE: Notice of Application by GRANT COUNTY, WA - Grant County File P 26-0053 & P 26-0054
(SEPA) amending Unified Development Code 23.08.020 - Accessory Uses & Structures (ADU's)
From Mau, Russell E (DOH) <Russell.Mau@DOH.WA.GOV>
Date Mon 3/9/2026 8:44 AM
To Jim Anderson -Cook <jcook@grantcountywa.gov>
Cc Shopbell, Stephanie (DOHi) <sshopbell@granthealth.org>
**EXTERNAL EMAIL**
This email originated from outside Grant County's network. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Mr. Anderson -Cook:
The Department of Health (DOH) Office of Drinking Water (ODW) has reviewed the application and
provides these official comments:
1. Please include "WAC 246-294" as a cited reference for defining ADUs.
2. For public drinking water systems, DOH ODW defines each "ADU" as a separate connection, as
follows:
• For ADUs that are fully attached to the principal dwelling unit: defined as a "multi -family"
connection consisting of 2 or 3 "living units".
• For ADUs that detached from the principal dwelling unit: defined as 2 or 3 "single-family"
connections.
3. For private wells:
• A two -connection system (principal home + one ADU) does not meet the definition of a public
water system (simply a private, shared well).
• A three -connections system (principal home + two ADUs) does meet the definition of a Group
B public water system.
Thanks,
Russell E. Mau, PhD, PE
Engineer
Office of Drinking Water
Washington State Department of Health
Russell. Mau@doh.wa.gov
www.doh.wa.gov 1509-329-2116
From: Jim Anderson -Cook <jcook@grantcountywa.gov>
Sent: Monday, March 2, 2026 12:25 PM
To: BOR-sha-CCA-SEPAPlats@usbr.gov; Ron Sell <rsell@ephrata.org>; Vivian Ramsey <vramsey@cityofml.com>;
Nathan Pate <npate@cityofml.com>; cdavisson@cityofml.com; Aren Murcar <aren.murcar@scjalliance.com>;
Rebecca Hunt<rebecca.hunt.adm@colvilletribes.com>; jarred.erickson.cbc@colvilletribes.com; Amelia Stanger
• Outlook
Re: [EXTERNAL] Notice of Application by GRANT COUNTY, WA - Grant County File P 26-0053 & P
26-0054 (SEPA) amending Unified Development Code 23.08.020 - Accessory Uses & Structures
(ADU's)
From NC -Review <NC-Review@WSDC>T.WA.GOV>
Date Tue 3/10/2026 11:37 AM
To Jim Anderson -Cook <jcook@grantcountywa.gov>
Cc Richards, Marcus <marcus.richards@wsdot.wa.gov>; Verellen, Clayton <clayton.verellen@wsdot.wa.gov>;
Lewis, Dan <dan.lewis@wsdot.wa.gov>
**EXTERNAL EMAIL**
This email originated from outside Grant County's network. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Greetings,
Thank you for giving WSDOT the opportunity to comment on this project. At this time, WSDOT has no
comments.
-Thank you
From: Jim Anderson -Cook <jcook@grantcountywa.gov>
Sent: Monday, March 2, 2026 8:24 PM
To: BOR-sha-CCA-SEPAPIats@usbr.gov <BOR-sha-CCA-SEPAPIats@usbr.gov>; Ron Sell <rsell@ephrata.org>; Vivian
Ramsey <vramsey@cityofml.com>; Nathan Pate <npate@cityofml.com>; cdavisson@cityofml.com
<cdavisson@cityofml.com>; Aren Murcar <aren.murcar@scjalliance.com>; Rebecca Hunt
<rebecca.hunt.adm@colvilletribes.com>; jarred.erickson.cbc@colvilletribes.com
<jarred.erickson.cbc@colvilletribes.com>; Amelia Stanger <amelia.stanger.hsy@colvilletribes.com>; JOHN Sirois
<john.sirois.adm@colvilletribes.com>; Karen Capuder<karen.capuder.adm@colvilletribes.com>; Robert Sloma
<robert.sloma@colviIletribes.com>; Guy Moura <guy.moura@colvilletribes.com>; Casey Barney
<casey_barney@yakama.com>; Jessica Lally <jessica_lally@yakama.com>; Pentico, Eric D (DFW)
<Eric.Pentico@dfw.wa.gov>; Region2 Planning (DFW) <wdfwr2planning@dfw.wa.gov>; Christianson, Paul S (DFW)
<Paul.Christianson@dfw.wa.gov>; Clark, Jamie C (DOH) <Jamie.Clark@doh.wa.gov>; Mau, Russell E (DOH)
<Russell.Mau@DOH.WA.GOV>; csimpson@ecbid.org <csimpson@ecbid.org>; jgonzalez@ecbid.org
<jgonzalez@ecbid.org>; Nate Andreini (nandreini@ecbid.org) <nandreini@ecbid.org>; ballen@granthealth,org
<ballen@granthealth.org>; Shopbell, Stephanie (DOHi) <sshopbell@granthealth.org>; Juliana Fries
<jfries@grantcountywa.gov>; Tyler Brady <tbrady@grantcountywa.gov>; Katherine I. Bren
<kibren@grantcountywa.gov>; Andy Booth <abooth @grantcountywa.gov>; John Brissey
<jbrissey@grantcountywa.gov>; permitting@gcpud.org <permittng@gcpud.org>; kwatkins@gcpud.org
<kwatkins@gcpud.org>; cclarke@gcpud.org <cclarke@gcpud.org>; Joe Kriete <jkriete@grantcountywa.gov>;
Oberheim, Catherine (DAHP) <catherine.oberheim@dahp.wa.gov>; MacNaughton, James (DAHP)
<james.macnaughton@dahp.wa.gov>; sepa@dahp.wa.gov <sepa@dahp.wa.gov>; Mueller, Rich
<rjmueller@portofmoseslake.com>; Barbara G. Duerbeck <bgduerbeck@grantcountywa.gov>; John Mele Jr
<jmele@gcbid.org>; Brian Scott (bscott@scbid.org) <bscott@scbid.org>; NC -Review <NC-
ATTACHMENT C
House Bill Report (EHB 1345)
Code Grant County Unified Development o
File #Pua-0os — Chapter 2aoeo20Accessory Uses &otructurem - -
0 Mal- =_11
to-4
As Passed Legislature
Title: An act relating to establishing limitations on detached accessory dwelling units outside of
-urban growth areas,
Brief Description: Establishing limitations on detached accessory dwelling units outside of
urban growth areas.
Sponsors-. Representatives Low, Peterson, Tharinger, Nance and Gregerson.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Housing: 1/27/25, 2/6/25 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House,- 1/22/26, 86-5.
Passed Senate: 3/3/26, 33-15.
Passed Legislature.
Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill
Authorizes counties that are required or have chosen to plan under the
Growth Management Act to allow detached accessory dwelling units
(DADUs) outside of urban growth areas if the DADUs are subject to
certain development regulations, the county has certain code
enforcement measures in place, and the county takes certain actions to
account for DADU development.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 17 members: Representatives Peterson, Chair; Hill,
Vice Chair; Richards, Vice Chair; Low, Ranking Minority Member; Jacobsen, Assistant
Ranking Minority Member; Manjarrez, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barkis,
Connors, Dufault, Engell, Entenman, Gregerson, Lekanoff, Reed, Thomas, Timmons and
This analysis was prepared by non partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative
members in their deliberations. This analysis is not part of the legislation nor does it
constitute a statement of legislative intent.
House Bill Report EHB 1345
Zahn.
Staff: Audrey Vasek (786-7383).
0
Background.
Growth Management Act.
The Growth Management Act (GMA) is the comprehensive land use planning framework
for counties and cities in. Washington. The GMA establishes land -use designation and
environmental protection requirements for all Washington counties and cities. The GNLA,
i 1
also establishes a significantly wider array of planning duties for 28 counties, and the cities
within those counties, that are required or have chosen to plan under the GMA. These
jurisdictions are sometimes said to be "fully planning" -under the GMA.
Fully planning cities and counties must adopt internally consistent comprehensive land use
plans that are generalized, coordinated land -use policy statements of the governing body.
When developing comprehensive plans, cities and counties must consider specific planning
goals related. to certain subjects, such as urban growth, reduction of sprawl, transportation,
and housing. Each comprehensive plan must include certain mandatory elements, including
elements related to land use, housing, capital facilities, utilities, rural areas, transportation,
economic development, parks and recreation, and climate change and resiliency. The
housing element must ensure the vitality and character of established residential
neighborhoods and, among other requirements., consider the role of accessory dwelling units
(ADUs) in meeting housing needs.
Fully planning counties must designate -urban growth areas (UGAs), within which urban
growth must be encouraged and outside of which growth may occur only if it is not urban in
nature. Each city in a fully planning county must be included in a UGA, and UGAs must
include sufficient areas and densities to accommodate projected urban growth for the
succeeding 20-year period.
A comprehensive plan and any locally adopted development regulations must be reviewed
and, if necessary, revised every 10 years to ensure that they coi-nply with the GMA. Certain
cities and counties are also required to provide implementation progress reports detailing
the progress they have achieved in implementing their comprehensive plans five years after
the required 10-year review and revision. Comprehensive plan -update deadlines for each
county, and the cities within those counties, are specified in the GMA. Amendments to a
comprehensive.- plan may occur no more frequently than once per year, with certain
exceptions.
Accessory Dwell ing,..Units.
Under the GMA, an ADU is defined as a dwelling unit that is located on the same lot as a
41
single-family housing unit, duplex, triplex, townhome, or other housing -unit,, which is
referred to as the principal unit. A dwelling -unit means a residential living -unit that
House Bill Report -2- EHB 1345
provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and permanent
provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
An attached accessory dwelling unit (AADU) is defined as an ADU located within or
attached to the principal unit, and a detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) is defined as
an ADU that consists partly or entirely of a building that is separate and detached from the
principal unit and is on the same property.
Requirements fore Development of Accessory Dwelling Units within Urban Growth Areas.
As of July 23, 2023, beginning six months after its next periodic comprehensive plan
update, a fully planning city or county must ensure local development regulations allow for
the construction of ADUs within UGAs and comply with certain policies related to siting
and permitting of ADUs. A city or county may impose a limit of two ADUs, in addition to
the principal unit, on a residential lot of 2,000 square feet or less.
A city or county may not authorize the construction of an ADU in a location where
development is restricted under other laws, rules, or ordinances as a result of physical
proximity to on -site sewage system infrastructure, critical areas, or other unsuitable physical
characteristics of a property.' Certain provisions related to off-street parking for ADUs are
also specified.
None of these ADU requirements apply to lots designated with critical areas, critical area
buffers, or a watershed serving as a reservoir for potable water if that watershed is or was
listed as impaired or threatened under the United States Clean Water Act. Cities and
counties are not prohibited from enforcing certain development regulations on ADUs.
Summary of Engrossed Bill:
Requirements for Development of Detached Accessory Dwelling Units Outside of Urban
Growth Areas.
Fully planning counties may allow DADUs outside of UGAs if the DADUs are subject to
certain development regulations, the county has certain code enforcement measures in
place, and the county takes certain actions to account for DADU development.
Development Regulations.
Any DADUs allowed outside of UGAs must be subj ect to development regulations that
include the following limitations:
• no parcel may have more than one ADU, whether attached or detached;
• the DADU must be subject to certain water supply requirements specified in the State
Building Code and any groundwater mitigation requirements adopted by the county
or the Department of Ecology;
• the combined water withdrawal for the DADU, the principal unit, and any other
domestic uses on the parcel may not exceed certain use limitations for domestic use
specified in the state laws regulating public groundwaters;
House Bill Report -3 - EHB 1345
• withdrawals of water by each dwelling unit on the parcel must be metered;
• the applicant must provide documentation that the sewage or septic system can handle
the additional demand from the DADU;
.4-1- �
1 -"U may nit be greater thm. 1296 Sniinre feet and may
• the gross loon area o-P DADU
not exceed the area that could be authorized by the county as an expansion of tl e
principal -unit to create an AADU. Floor areas exclude garages, porches, and
unfinished basements;
• the DADU must use the same driveway or other means of ingress and egress as the
principal unit;
• the DADU must be sited within 150 feet of the principal -unit;
• the DADU may be the existing principal -unit if the existing principal unit meets these
requirements, is a single-family dwelling, and a new principal unit that is a single-
family dwelling unit is constructed on the same parcel;
• the DADU must not be allowed on nonconforming lots under one acre; and
• purposes of avoiding these requirements.
a parcel may not be s -Lbdivided for the p i
Code Enforcement Measures.
Counties that allow DADUs outside of UGAs must have certain code enforcement measures
in place, including a voluntary code compliance process for the owner of an unpermitted
DADU to bring the DADU into compliance with applicable regulations. When the owner
of an unpen-nitted DADU seeks to bring the DADU into compliance, a permit penalty of at
least double the normal permit fee must be applied.
Owners who do not seek voluntary compliance and are found to have a DADU without the
required permn its must be subject to a civil infractioof at least $ 1,000 and must be required
to remove the DADU or ensure that it meets all existing development regulations. A
of at least triple the normal permit fee ee must be applied if the DADU remains.
.
Any owner who does not seek voluntary compliance and has received a civil infraction for
having an unpermitted ADU'must be prohibited from receiving any permits for construction
or placement of new ADUs for a period of at least three years.
Accotintingfor Detached Accessopy Dwelling Unit Development.
Any county that allows DADUs outside of UGAs must also take certain actions to account
for DADU development, including tracking and annually reporting the number of
completed DADU permits to the Department of Commerce (Commerce). During its next
required comprehensive plan review and all subsequent reviews, a county must use this data
to update its comprehensive plan to properly account for the actual and projected
development of DADUs so that the housing units will not exceed the -underlying densities
for the comprehensive plan designations and zones outside of UGAs. The county must
t
limit the frequency of these -future comprehensive plan amendments to occur no more than
once every five years.
Limits on Population Growth Targets.
House Bill Report - 4 - EHB 1345
Counties that allow DADUs outside of UGAs must include the: following limits on
population growth targets in their comprehensive plans:
• rural counties may allocate no more than 10 percent of their rural population target to
DADUs; and
• counties that are not rural may allocate no more than 7percent of their rural
population target to DADUs.
A "rural county" is defined by cross-reference as a county with a population density of
fewer than 100 persons per square mile or a county smaller than 225 square miles, as
determined by the Office of Financial Management and published each year by Commerce
for the period from July 1 to June 30.
Other Provisions.
The bill does not affect or modify the validity of any county ordinance authorizing ADUs
adopted before the effective date of the bill; exclude other means of authorizing ADUs in
urban or rural areas, if consistent with the bill; or exclude certain other innovative
techniques allowed under the GMA, if consistent with the bill.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note.- Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the
bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony.,0
(In support) This bill will help seniors who live in rural areas and want to age in place, as
well as students and young people who are just starting out. While there is nothing in state
law that prohibits DADUs in rural areas, there is an uncertain regulatory environment. In
some counties, rural DADU ordinances have been appealed to the Growth Management
Hearings Board. This bill specifically authorizes rural DADUs but also places some limits
going forward.
This bill is part of a housing priority legislative package supported by many counties.
Compared to versions of the bill from past years, this bill adds new policies that have been
negotiated. This is a compromise bill that brings a lot of people who were not on board
before to a "yes" or "other."
This bill includes enforcement measures that many stakeholders find important because
there are a lot of unpermitted ADUs in rural areas. The bill also includes requirements to
account for ADUs in comprehensive plans going forward. It provides a -pathway for getting
real data to satisfy the needs of those who want to plan for this type of development.
House Bill Report EHB 1345
Water availability is a critical issue in many counties. 'This bill will not negatively impact
water supply. After meetings with tribal members, nothing negative has been raised about
the water requirements in the bill. Owners who build DADUs will still have to comply with
state and 'local water supply requirel-LIAMIts.
In rural areas, realtors frequently see garages and structures that have been converted into
living areas without the proper permits. Sellers often need to remove these unpermitted
living areas before they can sell the home, only to have the buyer rebuild these living areas
right after the home is sold. Authorizing rural DADUs will address the housing need that is
leading homeowners to build these unpen-nitted structures while also putting some health
and safety measures in place.
(Opposed) None.
(Other) Current Law allows DADUs outside of UGAs, but only within the -underlying
density. This bill is a big step in the right direction compared to versions of the bill from
past years because it requires local jurisdictions to keep track of the numbers of permits that
have been issued to account for their underlying density. This should prevent increased
rural sprawl, which is when rural areas have many nonconforming lots or small lots with
higher density than they should have.
There are still a few issues with the bill. The bill should require approval of on -site septic
systems by local health departments, acknowledge the wildland-urban interface to prevent
people from losing -their homes due to wildfires, and mention stormwater infiltration,
because a lot of the instream flows rely on water filtering through these areas. The 'bill
should should also prevent rural DADU's from being used for short-term rentals because
short-term rentals do not help with housing affordability.
This bill significantly changes the way planning has historically been done in Washington.
It allows people to move forward with development before figuring out what type of
infrastructure and facilities are needed to support that development. This is a significant
departure because normally development is not allowed unless there are enough police, fire,
roads, and highways to support it. Another concern is the potential long-term impact of this
bill on the transportation budget.
With respect to water issues, there is still a concern about instream flows within specific
basins under the Hirst decision. DADUs typically use additional water beyond what an
AADU uses.
Builders want as much flexibility as possible. People who live in rural areas should have
the same development opportunities as people who live in urban areas. The bill should
include more flexibility in the requirements related to the shared driveway and the distance
between the primary dwelling and the ADU.
House Bill Report - 6 - EHB 1345
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Sam Low, prime sponsor; Paul Jewell,
Washington State Association of Counties; Laura Osiadacz, Commissioner, Kittitas County;
and Bill Clarke, WA REALTORS.
(Other) Bryce Yadon, Futurewise; and Alex Hur, Master Builders Association of King and
Snohomish Counties.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.
House Bill Report - 7 - EHB, 1345
March 18, 2026
Planning Commission Detailed Minutes
Grant County — Unified Development Code Amendment — Staff Report
File #P 26-0053
GRANT COUNTY
PLANNING COMMISSION
Chairman: Elliott Goodrich
Vice Chairman: Bill Bailey
Board Members: Susan Freeman, Patricia Jackson, Richard Leitz, Sandra Marcusen and Stephen Phipps
Secretary: Doris Long
COMMISSIONERS' HEARING ROOM - GRANT COUNTY COURTHOUSE, EPHRATA, WASHINGTON
MARCH 18, 2026 @ 7:00 P.M.
2026 Attendance
NAME
JA1�[
FEB
MAR
ApFtit,
MAY
Jug
DULY
AUG
=.Sn`l'
OGT
Nov
DEC
BAILEY
P
NM
P
FREEMAN
A
NM
P
GOODRICH
P
NM
P
JACKSON
P
NM
P
LEITz
P
NM
P
MARCUSEN
P
NM
zM
PHIPPS
P
NM
P
P=Present
A=Absent NM=No Meeting HeldM`=Attendance Via Zoom Platform
At 7:01 p.m. Chairman, Elliott Goodrich, opens the meeting
• Must be a permanent residence (no short-term rentals)
• Subject to water supply requirements (RCW 19.27.097)
• Cannot exceed water use limitation (RCW 90.44.050)
• Must meet sewage/septic system capacity requirements
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 1 March 18, 2026
Size requirements:
• Minimum Size: 192 sq ft — smallest ADU allowed
• Rural Maximum Size: 1,296 sq ft or 55% of the principal unit, whichever is smaller
• UGA Maximum Size: 1,000 sq ft
An in-depth discussion takes place regarding the House Bill. The size requirements are of concern to the
Planning Commission; particularly the 55% limitation. Mr. Anderson -Cook explains the numbers were taken
from Bill,' although he doesn't know how the numbers were determined. After a substantial amount of research,
Staff set the 55% limitation to avoid duplex style ADUs from being built in rural Grant County. The ADU
needs to be subservient to the primary dwelling unit.
Mr. Anderson -Cook reports that within the Urban Growth Areas a maximum of twa.ADUs are allowed as
either:
• Two attached ADUs. May be attached or within the principal unit with a_.-s'hared driveway.
• primary and share a driveway.
Two detached ADUs (one or two structures). Must be within 150";, ofthep
• One attached ADU and one detached ADU with a shared driveway.
-------- --- -
DADU I DADU 2
AADU I
PRINCIPAL AADU
AADU 47Z
PRINCIPAL
DWELLING UNIT 2
DWELLING UNIT
Within 15OTFeet Max. Within"! SOTFeet Max.
7
4 f i . : .
Either one (1) or two (2) Attached Accessary
Owelling Units(s) may be attached or within
PRINCIPAL
within 150 F"t Max.
principal unit
DWELLING UNIT
DADU 2
Either one (1) or two (2) dotaOed structures
from
principal unit
IL
S hared
Shared
Driveway
One (1) Attached Accessory DwelloQ Unit
and one (1) Detadied Accessory Dwolliog ed 1-
Sharleli Unit front unit
Dfiivewa Y
........ . . ...... .
principal
Driveway
UGA Development Standards
• Lot covera I ge can increase by 5% beyond the 50% threshold to allow for the additional lot coverage
• Existing non. -conforming structures maybe converted to ADUs
• No on -site or -1 off:siteparking requirements for ADUs
• Must use same drive,way/ingress as principal unit
Within the Unincorporated Rural Areas, a maximum of one ADU per parcel is allowed.
• Can be attached (AADU) or detached (DADU)
• Detached must be within 150' of the primary
• Subject to minim -Lim lot size requirements
• Must use same driveway as principal -unit
Detached ADU Prohibitions:
• Prohibited on nonconforming lots under I acre
• Prohibited. in RR1 Zone on lots less than 5 acres
• Must meet the minimum lot area for underlying zone
Planning Conunission Meeting Minutes 2 March 18, 2026
PRINCIPALom
DWELLING UNIT
-
vl,
Within ISO Feet
Max,
i DADU 1
ar
t
Total ADU floor area limited to
Shared 1,296 sq. ft. or 55% of principal
Driveway unit floor area, whichever is
SMALLER.
Mr. Leitz seconds the motion.
The Planning Commission discuss the motion.
As part of the discussion, it is suggested to either remove the 55% limitation; increase the 55% limitation; have
the percentage limitation apply only to attached ADUs, or have restrictions based on whether the ADU is
already existing or new construction. The Commissioners discuss their thoughts with Staff.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 3 March 18, 2026
Mr. Bailey moves to amend the motion, changing the provisions outside the UGA areas to limit detached ADUs
to 1,296 square feet, with no percentage limitations, and to limit attached ADUs to a maximum of 60% of the
primary dwelling, or 1,296 square feet whichever is less.
Mr. Phipps seconds the motion.
The Amended Motion is voted on and passes unanimously.
Board Action-.
ACTION: SUSAN FREEMAN MOVES TO RECOMMEND TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS THE SUBJECT
AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 23.08.020 ® ACCESSORY USES AND STRUCTURES — OF THE GRANT COUNTY UNIFIED
DEVELOPMENT CODE TO COMPLY WITH RCw 36.70A.680, 36.70A.681, WHICH ADDRESSES ACCESSORY DWELLING
UNITS (ADU) BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE OF URBAN GROWTH AREAS, AND TO ALIGN MORE CLOSELY WITH THE
ANTICIPATED APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED 2026 HOUSE BILL 1345, WHICH OUTLINES. jSPECIFIC CRITERIA FOR
DETACHED ADUS IN RURAL UNINCORPORATED AREAS.
RICHARD LEITZ SECONDS THE MOTION.
BILL BAILEY MOVES TO AMEND THE MOTION, CHANGING THE PROVISIONS OUTSIDE , THE URBAN GROWTH AREAS TO
LIMIT DETACHED ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS TO 19296 SQUARE FEET WITH NO PERCENTAGE LIMITATIONS, AND
TO LIMIT ATTACHED ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS TO A MAXIMUM OF. 66 % OF THE PRIMARY -DWELLING, OR 11296
SQUARE FEET WHICHEVER IS LESS.
STEPHEN PHIPPS SECONDS THE MOTION.
THE AMENDED MOTION IS VOTED ON AND PASSES UNANIMOUSLY6
General discussion takes place.
Chairman Goodrich closes the public hearing at 8 :25 pr11e
Doris Long, Secretary
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 4 March 18, 2026
Attachment C
GCC 23.08.020
Revised March 18, 2026
After Planning Commission Hearing
Grant County — Unified Development Code Amendment — Staff Report
File #P 26-0053 _ 5 _
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTM
ENT GRANT COUNTY PLANNING DIVISION
264 Division Avenue W • Po Box 37 ASHINGT N (509) 754-2011 Ext. 2501
s y Plan ningDivision@grantcountywa.gov
Ephrata, WA 98823 y
,-�/.'/L::y, //:.%9 �_'.<i:.8.1f/�/.=usf.3f..Ai'�ld:;.�;
PROPOSED DRAFT
Revised March 2548, 2026
Grant County UDC 23.08.020 Accessory Uses and Structures
Subsection (c) —Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)
a The standards in this subsection apply to all accessory dwelling units established under
subsections (c)(b) and (c)(c) of this section.
(1) Accessory dwelling units (ADU) are additional smaller, subordinate residential
dwelling units located on the same lot as a legally established principal unit. An
accessory dwelling unit may bean attached accessory dwelling unit (AADU), located
either within the same building or attached to the principal unit, or a detached
accessory dwelling unit (DADU) detached from the principal unit. ADUs are intended
to increase the supply of a greater range of housing types in zoning districts with
residential capacity.
(2) Subject to the requirements of this section, a manufactured or modular home,
including park model RV's, can be considered an ADU. All other recreational
vehicles are prohibited from being used as an ADU.
(3) All accessory dwelling units shall be occupied as permanent residences and may
not be used, rented, or leased as transient short-term rentals (periods of less than
thirty (30) consecutive days).
(4) Accessory dwelling units shall be subject to the water supply requirements of RCW
1 9.27.097 and any groundwater mitigation requirements adopted by the County or
Department of Ecology.
(5) The combined water withdrawal for the accessory dwelling unit, the principal unit,
and any other domestic uses on the parcel may not exceed the use limitations in
RCW 90.44.050 for domestic use.
(6) The applicant must provide documentation that the existing or proposed sewage or
septic system is capable of handling the additional demand placed upon it by the
accessory dwelling unit.
in c+w�nllor
t�-�t-lt-CtrT� r e
7 The "gross floor area" means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit including
basements and attics (Figure 7). Gross floor area excludes garages, porches,
unfinished basements, or accessory structures.
f-9)8) The entire basement floor area of a principal unit may be utilized as an attached
accessory dwelling unit (AADU), provided:
(A) The AADU has a separate exterior entrance;
(B) There is no internal access or connectivity between the AADU and the principal
unit; and
(C) The gross floor area of the basement AADU does not exceed the gross floor
area of the main floor of the principal unit.
(D) A basement AADU may be exempt from the fifty-five (55) percent threshold per
GCC 23.08.020(a)(6), however in no event shall the basement AADU exceed
twelve hundred ninety-six (1,296) square feet (Figure 5).
(9) Detached accessory dwelling units must be sited within 150 feet of the principal unit.
(10) Accessory dwelling units must utilize the same driveway or other means of in ress
and egress as the principal unit.
(11) A detached accessory dwelling unit may be the existing principal unit if the existing
principal unit meets the requirements of this subsection, is asingle-family dwelling
unit, and a new principal unit that is asingle-family dwelling unit is constructed on
the same parcel.
(12) ADUs are exempt from on -site and off -site parking requirements.
b. Accessory dwelling units within an urban growth area are subject to the general
requirements in subsection (c)(a) of this section and the following additional standards
tv3-}(1) Accessory dwelling units may be allowed in any district within an urban
growth area that allow for single-family dwellings and sited on a lot developed with
an existing or planned single-family detached dwelling, duplex, triplex, or other
housing unit, subject to the requirements of this section.
.A (2) Accessory dwelling units may only be allowed on lots that meet the
minimum lot size required for the principal unit.
{�5}(3) A maximum of two accessory dwelling units are permitted on a lot
containing a principal unit in the following configurations:
(A) Two attached accessory dwelling units (Figure 1);
(B) Two detached accessory dwelling units, which maybe comprised of one or two
detached structures (Figure 2); or
(C) One attached accessory dwelling unit and one detached accessory dwelling
unit (Figure 3).
(4) An ADU can be no less than one hundred ninety-two (192) square feet and a
maximum of one thousand (1,000) square feet
{�-R}(5For ADUs the Density, Dimension, and Open Space Standards of GCC
23.12 for the underlying zone are modified as follows:
(A) The maximum lot coverage can be increased by five (5) percent beyond the
threshold identified for the underlying zone, however this does not exempt an
ADU from meeting SMP lot coverage standards found in GCC 24.12; and
(B) An existing structure that does not meet current setbacks or lot coverage
requirements may be converted into an accessory dwelling unit, provided that
the Administrative Official may impose additional conditions for approval
necessary to ensure public health, safety, and welfare.
UDC 23.08.020 Amendment Page 12
c. Accessory dwellinq units outside an urban growth area are sub■ect to the qeneral
re uirements in subsection c a of this section and the following -additional standards:
(1)—Accessory dwelling units may be allowed in any district within
unincorporated areas of Grant County that allow for single-family dwellings and sited
on a lot developed with an existing or planned single-family detached dwelling,
subject to the requirements of this section.
2 No parcel shall have more than one accessory dwelling unit (ADU), whether
attached (AADU) or detached (DADU) (Figures 4 and 5).
3 An ADU can be no less than one hundred ninety-two 192 s uare feet while the
_maximum size per ADU is one thousand two hundred ninety-six (1,296) square feet
GF
Jww/ t'1n mnr®—_ f1#yfh10k �F !'1a!'/*�C1i n _t I sloe �..a� a v, U .•s •• ••:•Q` 1—U444—,
IAthiaIIWIln���-;-� - �. In no case shall an ADU exceed 1,296 square feet.
QW) AILGGessen, Ch A 10 inn iinatcz myi slow W1 11 IZIN
(4) Detached accessory dwelling units (DADU) are prohibited on lots that do
not meet the minimum required lot area, pursuant to the Density, Dimension, and
Open Space Standards of GCC 23.12 for the underlying zone. The following
prohibitions also apply:
(A) Detached accessory dwelling units are prohibited on nonconforming lots under
one acre in any zone.
(B) Detached accessory dwelling units are prohibited on lots in the Rural
Residential 1 (RR1) Zone that are less than five acres in size; and
(C) A manufactured or modular home may be utilized as a detached accessory
dwelling unit (DADU) on lots equal to or greater than 10 acres, provided:
(i) The gross floor area of the manufactured or modular home does not
exceed the gross floor area of the principal unit.
(ii) The manufactured or modular home may be exempt from the fifty-five (55)
percent threshold per GCC 23.08.020(ga)(26), however in no event shall
a manufactured or modular DADU exceed twelve hundred ninety-six
(1,296) square feet.
The applicant shall record the permit issued for a detached accessory dwelling unit
(DADU) with the Grant County Auditor's Office. Recording fee shall be paid by the
applicant. The permit shall include a statement that the accessory dwelling may
not be sold as a separate residence until such time as the accessory dwelling is
located as the sole residence on a legally established separate tax lot.
r
■
a
• -
r
• r
UDC 23.08.020 Amendment Page 13
Itlk
sa a a: a a apt I . ai a ! ��
- i�i>= a�na�+ ._�a►.[Z.i.��sa�\a�.��.�a•11MRSU s�
a• as as i
a -
• • . . •
MM
riM Zan%i•_\� j2 IMin■��i[.\'aaz.�s.�iit�jTls._a.�aii•_\i��rn� �._��[._\i�.`�►�LLLs*i � , s���ai..i�'�:���r
a"S as a I&M N I Calla ,._
9,01 a
�a."A�a.►WI-Or. "." �\aia .i.wa[s\M� i �IiL�t O . �i•�i��i �.■�. I •a a a s .------
Mala
Lei a, f[ ear\f���ia.,�c.�\ia- • • • .
as a f as as i. t
�1L•l'fa� �i•ill!a��'a•a�faia■\�a•Iia��=!a•1�1�►,■f�\t�a�l•i•i�a•`fa����[�r'f�!��=�\■
r a• Alrolf a a • i ! i a �► r► • i a i a ! a .• a i
\ifiiil=,arr.l\=i�\i\i�>•�i[!r'=�'j■\i' s • . . s . . . . . . • . S i . a a
AM;*i[ V >itr► �a\►�siil a�7fs�j fl��Ji\\i►
a s I I a TA M vs v SO a W-1. Al• 'ATM I .WN 11.1 RAMMA.T.Al i 7A a
� J aj,'��1 ■ [! \ \ � �lfi ! f �! a.l•1�J �� [! \ f \�l�''�'i i7 i ��� �i
IWAWAIM
o. IMA M
UDC 23.08.020 Amendment Page 14
FIGURE 1.
UNINCORPORATED UGAI
N
Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit(s) (AADU) within or attached to the Principal
Dwelling Unit
AADU 'PRINCIPAL AADU
1 1 DWELLING UNIT 1 2
Either one (1) or two (2) Attached Arc cessoqo
Dwelling Units(s) may be attached ovoifthin
principal unit
Shared
Ddveway
UDC 23.08.020 Amendment Page 15
FIGURE 2.
UNINCORPORATED UGA
Principal Dwelling Unit with Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit(s) (DADU)
DADU 1
Within 150 Feet Max.
Shared
Driveway
DADU 2
Within 1 50TFeet. Max,
AL
L! [Cliff RX I
Either one �1) ortwo (2) detached structures
-from Oncipal unit
UDC 23.08.020 Amendment Page 16
FIGURE 3.
UNINCORPORATED UGA
Principal Dwelling Unit with ONE Attached (AADU) and ONE Detached Accessory
Dwelling Unit (DADU)
'.'AADU I
PRINCIPAL
DWELLING UNIT
,Shared
Driveway
I I
Within 150* Felt MAX.
One (1) Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit
and one (1) Ostached. Accessoqp Owelling
Unit frindpal unfit
UDC 23.08.020 Amendment Page 17
FIGURE 4.
UNICORPORATED RURAL
Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit (AADU) within or attached to the Principal Dwelling
Unit
UDC 23.08.020 Amendment Page 18
FIGURE 5.
UNICORPORATED RURAL
Principal Dwelling Unit with a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU)
Within 150 Feet
max.
UDC 23.08.020 Amendment Page 19
FIGURE 6.
UNICORPORATED UGA or RURAL
Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit(s) (AADU) within the Basement of a Principal
Dwelling Unit
PRINCIPAL DWELLING UNIT
VOM .4.
*Do, 00 tv. vM fte." 1 "W
BASEMENT AADU
1,296 sq. ft,, max.
jj
L
FIGURE 7.
UNICORPORATED UGA or RURAI,
`Gross Floor Area' for a Principal Dwelling Unit
Gross floor area �* included:
interior habitable areaJr
finished basement
finished attic . . . . . . .
U U
L40 ar
Gross floor area to
excluded: garage,
porches,, unfinished
basement, accessory
structures
Unfinished
basement
UDC 23.08.020 Amendment Page 110
GRANT COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
EMAIL
To:
Legals
Columbia Basin Herald
From: I
Caitlin Manell
Clerk of the Board
Fax:
(509) 765-8659
Pages:
1 (including coversheet)
Phone:
(509) 765-4561
Phone:
(509) 754-2011, ext. 2931
Re:
Public Hearing Notice
Date:
April 20, 2026
❑ Urgent El For Review El Please Comment 0 Please Reply El Confidential
Please publish the following on April 23, 2026, and bill the Grant County Commissioners: We
also require an Affidavit of Publication. Please place the ad in 9 pt font and your normal six -
column format, columnar, as shown. Feel free to contact me at the number listed above.
f OTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
'HAT AN OPEN RECORD
UBLIC MEETING WILL BE
[ELD May 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in
ie Grant County Commissioners
Tearing Room, Courthouse, Ephrata,
VA to consider the following 2026
;omprehensive Plan Amendment
pplication:
File #P 26-0053 (Unified
Development Code (UDC)
Amendment) & P 26-0054
(SEPA) from Grant County.
The applicant proposes an
amendment to Chapter
23.08.020 - Accessory Uses
and Structures - of the Grant
County Unified Development
Code to comply with RCW
36.70A.680, 36.70A.681,
which addresses accessory
dwelling units (ADU) both
within, and outside of, urban
growth areas and to align
more closely with the
approval of the proposed
2026 House Bill 1345 which
outlines specific criteria for
detached ADUs in rural
unincorporated areas.. At a
special public hearing on
March 18, 2026, the Grant
County Planning
Commission conducted an
open record public hearing to
consider files P 26-0054.
The Planning Commission
voted unanimously to
recommended approval of
the proposed UDC
amendment with revisions.
Trant County is also providing access to
his scheduled hearing via Zoom audio.
"o participate in the hearingplease call i.
o the hearing at 1 (253) 205-0468, enter
he access code (940 4827 7440) and
)assword (26229323) and you will be
oined to the meeting in a `muted'status
•intil such time as the hearing allows for
)ublic testimony. If you have any
ruestions about this procedure, please
;all the Commissioner's Office in advanc
)f the hearing.
'-'.aitlin E. Manell, Cleric of the Boars
.ommissioner's Office.
2026 Comprehensive Plan
of the Grant County Unified
NOTICE .,I HEREBY GIv-
Amendment : app !.cation:
.,Development Code to, corn -
EN THAT AN OPEN RE-
File . P 26-0053 (Uni=
ply with RCVV 36.70,E■6a0,.
CORD PUBLIC MEETING
fied -Development, Code
36 70A.631, . which
WILL BE HELD May 12,
(UDC) Amendment) & P
addresses gcce,sso-
2026, at 1.Q0 p m.; in in.,
26-0054-(SEPA) from .Grant -
;ry d1.well ing units (ADU).
Grant County �Gommis-
County The applicant pro-
both vvitin, ,,and outside
sioners Hearing Room,
poses an amendment to
of, , ur:bw grow—W11 •asi
Cf urthouse, Ephrata, WA
Chapter 210.9.020 -Access
and : to align snore close yl
` nsider, the followin
o . Co , T _ _ --- ----------_.J-
;roposed 2OZ House dill
sa Uses and Structures -
- ----- - — -- — - _ - -
miended approval of the: °
with the.-�app_roval'o'f`fh'
- -
a `rnuted''statusntll such
1.345 which outlines spe7
proposed UDC amend-
time at :the. hearing..'..,.ad o�nrs
�ific criteria for detachedwith
-,revisions.' Grant
fc�r public testimony. if you
AD Us in � rural unincorpo-
Cbunty -is also providing
have,,an'y questions ab+�ut'
rated areas■..At a special
access to this
this procedure, please call
public. hearing :on Marc' h
.scheduled
hearing via Zoom audio. To
the Commissioner's Of-
10, 226,:the Grant Coun-
particopate in the hearing �
,fice . indvaricp of the
ty Planning Co.mMission
please call in to the' hear-
hearing. Caitlin E■ Manell,
conducted an open record
,ing at 1 (2,53) 205-0468
Clerk , of the Board, Com-
public hearing to, consider
;;,enter the access code (940
missioner.'s Office.
files P 26-0054. The CPlan-
'i27 7440.) and password
ning Commission voted
(26229323) � and you rnri11
4068/487.52
'23.
unanimously to recom-
be, joined to the meeting 4n
Pub: April 2026.
1111
�l
rJM ' , , 'milli� I FfAIA11"iiii
A,
I
STATE OF WASHINGTON COUNTY OF GRANT
I, Blaze Griffith -Steele, do solemnly swear that I am the Principle Agent of the Columbia Basin
Herald, a newspaper established and regularly published five days a week in the English language,
in and of general circulation continuously for more than six (6) months prior the 31 st day of
March, 1944; that said newspaper is printed in an office maintained at its place of publication in
the City of Moses Lake, Washington; that said newspaper was approved and designated as a legal
newspaper by the order of the Superior Court of the State of Washington for Grant County on the
31 st day of March, 1944; and that said order has not been revoked and is in full force and effect.
That the annexed is a true copy of Legal Notice # 04068/48752 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
AMENDMENT BOCC PH as it was published in regular issues (and not in supplement form) of
said newspaper once each DAY for a period of 1 consecutive DAY commencing on the 23RD of
APRIL 2026 and ending on the 23RD of APRIL 2026 both dates inclusive and that such
newspaper was regularly distributed to its subscribers during all of said period, that the full
amount of fee charged for the foregoing publication is the sum of $48.78 .
laze ;1th-Steele
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 23R'' DAY OF APRIL 2026,
g
Bob Ray Richardson
LCO
i ar son Notary Public in and for the State of Washington
i�otar' Puri Residing in Moses Lake, Washington
,Ir�State of Wa hin ton-;i' .ppointment Expires 11/4/2029
mmission Number 210 079
GRANT COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
EMAIL
To: I
Legals
Columbia Basin Herald
From: I
Caitlin Manell
Clerk of the Board
Fax:
(509) 765-8659
Pages:
1 (including coversheet)
Phone:
(509) 765-4561
Phone:
(509) 754-2011, ext. 2931
Re:
Public Hearing Notice
Date:
April 22, 2026
❑ Urgent ❑For Review ❑Please Comment 0 Please Reply El Confidential
Please publish the following on April 30, 2026, and bill the Grant County Commissioners: we
also require an Affidavit of Publication. Please place the ad in 9 pt font and your normal six -
column format, columnar, as shown. Feel free to contact me at the number listed above.
OTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
HAT AN OPEN RECORD
UBLIC MEETING WILL BE
ELD May 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
escheduled from May 12, 2026) in
.e Grant County Commissioners
.earing Room, Courthouse, Ephrata,
TA to consider the following 2026
omprehensive Plan Amendment
)Dlication:
File #P 26-0053 (Unified
Development Code (UDC)
Amendment) & P 26-0054
(SEPA) from Grant County.
The applicant proposes an
amendment to Chapter
23.08.020 - Accessory Uses
and Structures - of the Grant
County Unified Development
Code to comply with RCW
36.70A.6809 36.70A.6819
which addresses accessory
dwelling units (ADU) both
within, and outside of, urban
growth areas and to align
more closely with the
approval of the proposed
2026 House Bill 1345 which
outlines specific criteria for
detached ADUs in rural
unincorporated areas.. At a
special public hearing on
March 18, 20269 the Grant
County Planning
Commission conducted an
open record public hearing to
consider files P 26-0054.
The Planning Commission
voted unanimously to
recommended approval of
the proposed UDC
amendment with revisions.
rant County is also providing access to
7is scheduled hearing via Zoom audio.
'o participate in the hearing please call i.
the hearing at 1(253) 205-0468, enter
ze access code (940 4827 7440) and
assword (26229323) and you will be
pined to the meeting in a `muted'status
,ntil such time as the hearing allows for
public testimony. If you have any
,uestions about this procedure, please
all the Commissioner's Office in advanc
f the hearing.
;aitlin E. Manell, Clerk of the Boars
;ommissloner's Office.
MEN Am wo MMpo, CC s E
ti OQ�®a„r� v
,C VO =-Zore
4)
= .-. —
O �CM .0
;+va � L.:�
�4CC. :z�C=Q),.-
O' tq KNOWNL � +r .. O. �`
Em
. 4>
E >yok
UNION E
� �_q4�c
0 CC
Low , � s
t!! 0 =
C _
C
®®or
E .c
SIMON Mob
E �-
cL L
®,0 cc
ME IN U) BE v
C-r.Q° C 0 L-
•Md®dp 4cc
c��Qc, a
>►= a!®
Whom
v
low 0,
O1a�LZ,,r. i.
o
Q I
C CLCD M0 No n r
N
OW t9��13
C.®
M�
� 1
co Cc
0004) 4) ��tiU
,d
Q
E® ENS =C?
C. E
�- Q8 C
Qf . M. W L. - ®.
W E-° 4) r
Moo
to y d
.. Low 1 1
O=O'0V4
C E
C.L.vCV
L O (D _
8®® ®�°® „�N R
•w� L Ma
=�y. 0 "Q C
� ,ems... ��.3 d
d�E0 Qow
r�
.mm�C,E0.ia=ul
=
c oC L 4. a�
'JN._Nv: � s
% cQ.CD>,ca-,�L
N` t) N W 1W G
A FFIDA VIT OF P UBL ICA TION
STATE OF WASHINGTON COUNTY OF GRANT
1, Blaze Griffith -Steele, do solemnly swear that I am the Principle Agent of the Columbia Basin
Herald, a newspaper established and regularly published five days a week in the English language,
in and of general circulation continuously for more than six (6) months prior the 31st day of
March, 1944; that said newspaper is printed in an office maintained at its place of publication in
the City of Moses Lake, Washington-* that said newspaper was approved and designated as a legal
newspaper by the order of the Superior Court of the State of Washington for Grant County on the
31 st day of March, 1944; and that said order has not been revoked and is in full force and effect.
That the annexed is a true copy of Legal Notice # 04074/48861 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
AMENDMENT OCC PH as it was published in regular issues (and not in supplement form) of
said newspaper once each DAY .for a period of I consecutive DAY commencing on the 30TH of
APRIL 2026 and ending on the 30TH of APRIL 2026 -,both dates inclusive and that such
newspaper was regularly distributed to its subscribers during all of said period, that the full
amount of fee charged for the foregoing publication 'is the sum of $50.18
Plaze G(ifffifith,-S(eele
Subscribed and. sworn to before me this 30TH DAY OF APRIL 2026,
t$Ob Ray ic-h-a-7roini
Notary Public
bin
Eton
My Appointment Expires 11/4/2029
Number 2103079
Bob Ray Richardson
Notary Public in and for the State of Washington
Residing in Moses Lake, Washington