Medford, OR Accessory Structures: ADU Impact Fees (2026)
Key Facts
- Fee reduced
- Street System Development Charge (SSDC)
- Exemption amount
- 50% of SSDC
- Size limit
- 900 sq ft or smaller ADU
- Application window
- Dec 1, 2020 to Jun 30, 2027
- Compliance duration
- 10-year annual questionnaire
Summary
Medford cuts a homeowner's Street System Development Charge in half for an accessory dwelling unit of 900 square feet or smaller. The exemption is optional, application-based, and runs only through June 30, 2027.
At the option of the property owner, accessory dwelling units (ADU) of 900 square feet and smaller, as defined in Section 10.012, are exempt from 50 percent of the SSDC for exemption applications filed during the period of time beginning December 1, 2020, and ending on June 30, 2027. The exemption authorized by this section is subject to the following: (a) Persons seeking the exemption shall submit an application on a form provided by the City prior to or concurrently with submittal of applications for building permits.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-32, passed May 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Medford Municipal Code Sec. 012, on exemption applications filed between December 1, 2020, and June 30, 2027. The SSDC itself is established under Sec. 807 as a charge on new development that increases usage of the arterial and collector street system, collected before a building permit issues. To get the ADU exemption, the owner must submit an application on a City-provided form prior to or at the same time as the building permit application. Approval carries strings: under subsection (3)(b), the owner must record a restrictive covenant and compliance agreement with Jackson County, at the applicant's own expense, submitted to the City before the certificate of occupancy issues.
Subsection (3)(c) then requires the owner to complete an annual compliance questionnaire for the full 10-year period, reporting the monthly rent charged and confirming the unit isn't operating as a short-term rental. 025, per subsection (3)(e).
Violations & Fines
If an owner fails to submit the required annual compliance questionnaire with accurate information within 60 days of the City's mailing, Sec. 3.817(3)(c) lets the City terminate the compliance agreement and recover the exempted SSDC amount under the terms of the recorded restrictive covenant, effectively clawing back the 50 percent fee waiver plus applicable interest under the City's fee schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medford waive impact fees for ADUs?
What do I have to do to keep Medford's ADU fee exemption?
What happens if I miss Medford's ADU compliance questionnaire deadline?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Medford
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