Submitted by San Juan County.

Between April 1 and May 15, San Juan County Department of Community Development will be accepting Accessory Dwelling Unit lottery applications for detached ADU permits proposed outside of urban growth areas and activity centers. ADU lottery applications for determining eligibility must be received no later than May 15.

A total of nine eligibility slots are available for the 2025 cycle with the following ADU permit category caps:

• New ADUs: Eight.

• Conversion* ADUs: One.

*Convert structure legally existing for five years to ADU.

ADU Eligibility Application

In accordance with Resolution 59-2009 and Resolution 62-2016, a fee of $245 is charged for ADU lottery applications for an ADU permit. The application form is available in DCD Offices located at 135 Rhone St., Friday Harbor, as well as online at https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6283/Detached-ADU-Eligibility-Application.

Complete applications including ADU Lottery Application Form and requisite fee must be submitted to DCD in one of two ways:

• Apply in person at DCD’s office during business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (except holidays) at 135 Rhone St., Friday Harbor, Washington.

• Apply by mail addressed to SJC Dept. of Community Development at P.O. Box 947, 98250.

Potential lottery

The above ADU category caps are calculated in accordance with San Juan County Code 18.40.240 and are based on the number of development permits issued in 2024 for new principal residences outside of urban growth areas or activity centers. If needed, the open public lottery for each respective category of ADU permits will take place at the end of May. The exact time and place will be noted on the DCD website 10 days prior to the drawing. Applications received after May 15 will be ineligible for the lottery but will be added to a wait list.

General information regarding ADUs, detached ADUs and past lotteries are available at the following San Juan County Resource page: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/638/Accessory-Dwelling-Unit-Information.

Questions? Contact Marc Santos at 360-370-7580, or email marcs@sanjuancountywa.gov.