Accessory Dwelling Units

LOTTERY UPDATE 2/8/2022:
The 2022 ADU Lottery has been closed. Nine eligible Submissions were received for NEW ADU's, nine slots were available. Two Eligible CONVERSION ADU submissions were received, two slots were available. No lottery will be held for 2022. Confirmation letters will be sent next week. 

ADUs, commonly called Guest Houses, are defined in the San Juan County Code as: 
  
Accessory dwelling unit (ADU)" means a living area that is accessory to the principal residence, located on the same lot, and that    provides for sleeping quarters, kitchen, and sanitation facilities. An ADU may be internal, attached or detached. 
 
Within land use districts located inside of the boundaries of activity centers and urban growth areas, there is no restriction on the number of permits for detached accessory dwelling units. Outside of the boundaries of activity centers and urban growth areas, there are nine (9) permits for the construction of new ADUs and two (2) permits for the conversion of existing accessory structures (legally in existence for five years) available for 2022.

San Juan County Department of Community Development (DCD) is accepting applications for detached ADU permits proposed outside of urban growth areas and activity centers until 4:30 pm February 7, 2022. Application period begins January 3, 2022.

​The lottery deadline has passed and the online portal has been closed. If you would like to be added to the waitlist print and fill out the ADU application form below. Mail in the check with the application or drop off at the DCD office or drop box at the courthouse. Make checks out to SJC DCD. No refunds will be given once the waitlist application is processed.

Regulations

for Accessory Dwelling Units 


SJCC 18.40.270, "Vacation rental of residences or ADUs"  says:
"Detached accessory dwelling units established under SJCC 18.40.240 cannot be separately leased or rented for less than 30 days."  Detached ADUs established after 6/29/2007 cannot be used for vacation rental.  (Ord. 7-2006 amended by Ord. 12-2007)