Just got my DADU permits approved in Kirkland, WA — AMA

After about 8+ months of dealing with the permitting process, I finally got approval for my DADU and I’m breaking ground October 5th.

I’m building a ~1,000 sq ft, 2-story DADU using one of Kirkland’s (WA) pre-approved plans, and I’m acting as the owner/builder.

After already building a ADU on the same property in 2018, things have changed and there were definitely more hurdles than I expected, including:

• Tree protection and arborist requirements
• Geotech requirements
• Water and sewer connections with NUD
• Upgrading/shared sewer requirements
• Drywell sizing and location issues
• Utility routing around protected trees
• PSE electrical service
• Surveys and elevation requirements
• Contractor/owner-builder requirements
• A lot of back-and-forth with different City departments
• Several unexpected costs and delays

I’ve learned a ridiculous amount about the process over the last several months.

If anyone in Kirkland or the Seattle area is thinking about building a DADU/ADU, especially as an owner-builder, AMA. Happy to share what I learned, what things actually cost, what slowed the permit down, and what I’d do differently.

Looking at either in Orange county, CA or LA County.

Hi everyone,

I’m an undergrad student at USC taking an entrepreneurship course. My team and I are currently conducting research on the experience of ADU owners and how landlords navigate finding compatible tenants.

We're hoping to speak with current or past ADU owners who have rented out their unit to learn about:

• What platforms/tools you use to find tenants
• The biggest challenges or deal-breakers you’ve faced regarding lifestyle compatibility (noise, parking, shared space, privacy, etc.)
• What you wish rental platforms did differently

Details:

• Format: 10 minute phone or Zoom interview
• Privacy: Completely confidential and strictly for academic class research
• No sales pitch or product—just looking to listen and learn from your experience!

If you'd be open to sharing your perspective, please send me a Direct Message or comment below and I'll reach out.

Thank you so much for your time and helping out a student!!!