The number of detached accessory dwelling unit eligibility slots allowed in any year cannot exceed 12 percent of the total number of building permits issued in the previous year for new principal residences outside of activity centers and urban growth areas. Two of the 12 percent (10 percent new, 2 percent conversion) of the building permits allowed in any one year shall be restricted for the conversion of existing accessory structures that have legally existed for no less than five years. If the San Juan County Department of Community Development receives more eligibility applications than the allowed number of accessory dwelling eligibility slots, a lottery drawing will be held.

If necessary, the community development department will hold a lottery for accessory dwelling eligibility, open to the public, on March 5, at 11:30 a.m., at the front counter in the department’s office at 135 Rhone St., Friday Harbor. Results will also be available immediately following at https://www.random.org/draws/records/.

Winners of the accessory dwelling lottery will be notified following the drawing. Applicants awarded an eligibility slot must submit a complete building permit application to the community development department no later than 4:30 p.m., July 15. Building permit applications are available online at https://www.sanjuanco.com/638/Accessory-Dwelling-Unit-Information. Applications must meet the requirements and criteria of San Juan County Code including SJCC 18.40.240 and Ordinance 51-2008. If a complete and timely building permit is not submitted by the deadline, that applicant’s eligibility shall be deemed null and void. Community development staff will notify the next applicant on the appropriate waitlist that they are eligible to submit a complete building application either within 150 days of the notice of eligibility or by the last business day of the year.

Contact Adam Zack at adamz@sanjuanco.com or 360-370-7580 for more information.