Accessory Dwelling Units

New Option for Rural Polk County

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) within an Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) have been allowed in Polk County since 2018. These ADUs are subject to compliance with Polk County Ordinance, Chapter 118 Accessory Dwelling Units.

Legislation passed at the state level in 2023, created new provisions to allow ADUs on land outside of UGBs. The Polk County Board of Commissioners initiated Legislative Amendment LA 24-01 and adopted amendments to the Polk County Zoning Ordinance and to the Polk County Comprehensive Plan to ensure county regulations align with state regulations.

As of June 17, 2026, ADUs are allowed on properties that are at least 2.0 acres in size and zoned Rural Lands or Unincorporated Community Residential in the Polk County Comprehensive Plan.

Property owners interested in an ADU would do well to review permitting, siting, size, water and sanitation requirements before starting the permitting process with Polk County. Luckiamute Domestic Water Cooperative and Perrydale Domestic Water Association both have moratoriums on new water service hook-ups, and this includes ADUs.

Photo courtesy City of Philomath Planning Department