The 2023 ADU lottery is closed as of 4:30pm February 13th, 2023.

The lottery deadline has passed and the online portal has been closed. ADU eligibility applications must have been received no later than 4:30 pm February 13, 2023. 

There will not be an ADU lottery this year. Eight slots were available and eight complete applications were made. Applicants will receive an email and acknowledgement letter with ADU building application and submittal deadlines. 

If you would like to be added to the waitlist print and fill out the DETACHED ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) ELIGIBILITY APPLICATION  form below. Mail in the $245 check with the application to PO Box 947 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 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. Waitlist will be closed after 4:30 PM PT, July 28, 2023.

Complete applications must meet San Juan County Code 18.40.240 and Ordinance 51 - 2008 and all other applicable requirements of the San Juan County Code.

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.

Vacation Rental of an ADU
 
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)