If you filled out an application for the permit lottery to convert an existing building to a Detached Auxiliary Dwelling Unit (ADU) and you meet the minimum code requirements, you’ve already won. If you are entered in the ADU permit lottery for a new ADU, and the property qualifies, you have a 14 in 15 chance of winning.

Allen Shayo, Permit Coordinator in the San Juan County Community Development and Planning Department, reports that after reviewing all of the applications filed by the deadline two weeks ago there were only two qualifying applicants for the three available permits for converting an existing structure into an ADU. Planning staff determined that the two other entries did not meet code requirements to qualify for a permit.

Fifteen of the 20 applications for the new construction permit lottery meet all requirements, so with only 14 total permits available, a lottery for the right to apply for those permits will be held. The 15th application will be put on a waiting list in case one of the lottery winners fails to complete the permitting process.

The Community Development and Planning Department continues to accept applications for both types of 2009 ADU permit. New applications will be considered in the order received as permits are available – or become available – through the end of the year. The number of ADU permits available each year is calculated based the number of total building permits issued during the previous year.

The ADU permit lottery will be held at 10 a.m. on Feb. 20 in the Council Hearing Room at 55 Second Street in Friday Harbor.