Everett permits accessory dwelling units under Title 19 of the Everett Municipal Code (Zoning), as amended by Ordinance 3963-23 to align with Washington HB 1337 (RCW 36.70A.681). Up to two ADUs are allowed per single-family lot inside Everett's urban growth area. Building permits are filed through the city's Development Services portal and the regional MyBuildingPermit.com system.
EMC Title 19 (Zoning) is the governing chapter for ADUs in Everett. Ordinance 3963-23 brought Everett into compliance with Washington HB 1337 ahead of the June 30, 2025 statewide deadline by allowing up to two ADUs per lot in residential zones (one attached and one detached, or two attached) within the urban growth area. Detached ADUs are capped at 800 square feet of gross floor area; attached ADUs are limited to 50 percent of the primary residence or 800 square feet, whichever is less. Maximum height for detached ADUs is generally 15 feet, with allowances for pitched roofs. Building permits are required and are filed through the Everett Development Services Department using the MyBuildingPermit.com regional portal. Construction must comply with the 2021 I-Codes as adopted by the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-50, 51-51) effective March 15, 2024. Properties in the historic overlay along the Rucker Hill and Riverside districts trigger Historical Commission review. ADUs near Naval Station Everett or under Paine Field flight corridors must also meet airport overlay sound-attenuation standards in EMC 19.37.
Building an ADU without a permit is a violation of EMC Title 19 and the adopted building code. Civil penalties are assessed under EMC Title 1.20 (Civil Code Enforcement), generally up to $500 per day per violation, plus double permit fees on retroactive legalization. The city may issue stop-work orders, require demolition of unpermitted work, and refuse final occupancy. Occupying an ADU without final inspection is a separate violation.
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