To promote ADU and cottage development, the City developed permit ready dwelling units that offer residential property owners a selection of pre-approved, designed, and engineered building plans.  The plans range in size and architectural style so that property owners can select a unit that is complementary to their existing residential unit. 

The city is offering free detached ADU and cottage plans for residential property owners within the City limits. The plans have been reviewed and approved for residential construction inside Wenatchee City limits only.  Property owners utilizing the City's pre-approved plans will follow a simplified and expedited review process, providing a cost savings that can be applied toward construction.

Sometimes referred to as mother-in-law unit, granny flat, or backyard cottage, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are small, independent residential units located on the same lot as a primary dwelling unit. ADUs provide the same essential functions as a typical dwelling unit, complete with a kitchen, sleeping area, and bathroom, but are smaller or "accessory" to the primary dwelling unit.

An ADU may be a stand-alone unit, or it may be attached or internal to the primary dwelling unit.

Specific development standards for ADU’s can be found at WCC 10.47.040

Cottages are small and mostly detached individual dwelling units. Lots where two to three cottage houses are proposed (referred to as “infill-cottage housing”) are subject to the provisions of WCC 10.47.080. Lots where four or more cottage houses are proposed are subject to the provisions of WCC 10.47.090.

Option 1 - 400 Sq. Ft. - GALA Floor Plan

Option 2 - 400 Sq. Ft. - FUJI Floor Plan

Option 3 - 400 Sq. Ft. - BRAEBURN Floor Plan (WUI)

Option 4 - 600 Sq. Ft. - Cortland Floor Plan

Option 5 - 600 Sq. Ft. - Dabinet Floor Plan

Option 6 - 600 Sq. Ft. - Jonagold Floor Plan (WUI)

Option 7 - 800 Sq. Ft. - Honeycrisp Floor Plan

Option 8 - 800 Sq. Ft. - Gravenstein Floor Plan

Option 9 - 800 Sq. Ft. - McIntosh Floor Plan (WUI)

Option 10 - 1200 Sq. Ft. - Red Delicious Floor Plan

Option 11 - 1200 Sq. Ft. - Golden Delicious Floor Plan

Option 12 - 1200 Sq. Ft. - Baldwin Floor Plan (WUI)

Setting up utilities for your Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or cottage development is a crucial part of the planning and construction process. Properly managing utilities ensures that your dwelling unit is functional, efficient, and compliant with City regulations.  Utility plans are separate from the pre-approved plans and must be submitted with your building permit application.  For more information or questions about City domestic water, sewer, and stormwater contact the Public Works Department at 509-888-3200 or visit the following link: Utilities | Wenatchee, WA.  For properties that are Chelan County PUD water customer, please contact the PUD at 509-661-8400.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q:  Can I alter or change the pre-approved plans?

A:  The layout and structural elements of the pre-approved plans cannot be altered.  Certain design aspects of the plans may be changed including siding, color, window design (not size/location), and roof material.

Q:  How long will it take to have the building permit issued?

A:  Typical plan review should be less than 10 business days?

Q:  How many permit ready plan sets can I use?

A:  The number of permit ready plans will depend on the scope of your project.  The city will authorize up to 2 plans to be used as ADU’s and 4 for use as cottages for each legal lot of record!

Q: What is the permit cost for the Permit-Ready Dwelling Units?

A: Permit fees are based on floor area/ valuaition of a project. The values shown below are estimates that are rounded to the nearest ten. These fees are subject to change with new code changes. 

Q: Are there other fees that may apply?

A: Yes - various Public Works' investment and impact fees may be applicable to your project. Please contact 509-888-3200 or visit the following link for more info: Utilities | Wenatchee, WA