

ADUs are allowed in AdamsTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Adams, OR
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Properties
185
Owner-occupied
28%
Zoning districts
4
Avg Home Value
$108,728
Median Lot Size
0.44 acres
Avg Income
$78,203
Residential Types:
185 housing units
Single Family
8%
2-3 Family
4%
Apts (4+ units)
3%
Other
85%
Zoning Districts:
207 parcels · 4 districts
R
73%(152)
SR
15%(32)
C
8%(16)
IC
3%(7)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Adams, OR?
Adams, OR follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: By Right
- –Detached ADU: By Right
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 800 sq ft
- –Maximum size of 50% of the primary dwelling’s floor area
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 800 sq ft or 50% of the primary unit’s floor area, whichever is smaller.
Max Units
- –Single-family: 1 ADU/lot (attached, detached, or above garage)
- –Commercial District: 1 ADU/lot
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner must occupy the primary dwelling or the ADU
Parking
- –1 space/ADU; surface-lot max 115% of min; on-street credit in C & IC; shared parking allowed
ADU State Law
What can you build in Oregon?
- –In urban growth areas, Oregon law requires cities and counties to allow at least one ADU on lots zoned for detached single-family homes.
- –Local jurisdictions cannot require owner occupancy for ADUs, but may regulate short-term or vacation rentals.
- –There are no statewide limits on ADU size, height, setbacks, lot size, or floor area ratio. Local zoning rules apply.
- –Parking requirements, if any, are set by the local jurisdiction, subject to state limitations.
- –Some cities may allow more than one ADU per lot, depending on local code.
- –Oregon law does not require counties to allow ADUs in rural residential zones. Whether an ADU is allowed depends on county zoning.
- –ADUs in rural residential areas cannot be used for short-term or vacation rentals.
- –Additional requirements may apply related to wildfire risk, water supply, septic capacity, and fire access.
- –Counties may impose additional restrictions beyond state law or choose not to allow ADUs at all.
- –If a county allows ADUs, state law imposes strict limits, including a minimum 2-acre lot size, a maximum ADU size of 900 sq ft, a location within 100 ft of the primary dwelling, and a limit of one ADU per parcel.
What's allowed on your lot?
These are the municipality-wide rules. What's allowed on a specific property also depends on state laws, setbacks, floor area ratio, lot coverage, environmental constraints, topography, and other property-specific factors. Search your address on FutureLot to see what's allowed on your property.
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ADU rules in other Oregon municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Umatilla County