Board

Good Steward · ADU

ADU readiness checklist

A printable Board checklist for homeowners exploring an accessory dwelling unit. Educational — not a permit set, fee schedule, or bid.

How to use this checklist

Work top to bottom before you buy stock plans or pay a large design retainer. Confirm whether the parcel sits in the City of Edmonds or another AHJ — rules and portals differ. Read the live Edmonds ADU standards (ECDC paths such as 16.20.050) on the city site; do not paste Seattle ADUniverse dates onto Edmonds.

Utility capacity, critical areas, trees, slopes, and easements often decide feasibility earlier than finish selections. Ask who owns the MyBuildingPermit submittal and who stands for inspections. Shortlist firms with permitted small-dwelling or addition experience, then re-verify each at WA L&I Verify.

Pair with the Edmonds ADU hub, ADU cost factors (qualitative only), and permit hub. The Board of Project Stewardship does not invent ADU fees, timelines, or ROI.

Checklist

  • Confirm city/county jurisdiction for the parcel (Edmonds city vs other).
  • Read ECDC 16.20.050 (or the live ADU section) for your attached/detached/conversion path.
  • Sketch setbacks, height, parking, and privacy screening against the lot.
  • Request early utility capacity checks (water fixture units / meter, sewer or septic, electrical).
  • Note critical areas, trees, slopes, and easements before purchasing plans.
  • Choose MyBuildingPermit application type that matches the ADU scope.
  • Decide occupied-site staging if the primary home stays lived-in.
  • Shortlist firms with permitted small-dwelling or addition experience; L&I Verify each.
  • Require written scope covering design, permit ownership, and inspections.
  • File permits, inspection results, and as-builts for future refinance or sale.

Edmonds ADU hub · ADU planning post · Permit hub

Official

Official resources

Outbound links to government portals only. The Board of Project Stewardship does not issue permits or licenses. Confirm the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for your parcel — Seattle typically uses SDCI / the Seattle Services Portal; many other Puget Sound cities use MyBuildingPermit. Always re-verify contractors at WA L&I Verify before hiring.