Do I have to live on the property or add parking?
No. In December 2019, Milwaukie's City Council adopted code amendments, effective January 1, 2020, that removed the owner-occupancy requirement and the off-street parking requirement for properties with an ADU. The city said the changes brought its code into line with HB 2001. State law (ORS 197A.425) now bars both requirements anyway.
Does Milwaukie waive SDCs for ADUs?
Not under its earlier program. Milwaukie ran an ADU Waiver Pilot Program that waived city-controlled system development charges and frontage improvements for up to ten ADUs. The city's page says that funding has been fully allocated and no new applications are being accepted. Even when it ran, county SDCs such as parks and sewer connection fees were not included.
Whose sewer system serves my lot?
It varies. Milwaukie's own waiver page noted that sewer connection fees could come through a county service district or the City of Portland, depending on location. We confirm the provider early, because it affects connection fees.
What do you check first on a Milwaukie lot?
- The zone and the current ADU standards in the Milwaukie Municipal Code.
- The condition of any existing garage or outbuilding that could be converted.
- Which sewer and water providers serve the address.
Will my ADU need a land use application?
It depends on the design and the current code. Milwaukie has reviewed ADUs through its own planning process, and the type of review can change with code updates. We confirm the review track with the city for your address before we design.
Related
As of October 2026. Sources: City of Milwaukie ADU code amendments page (ZA-2019-002) and ADU Waiver Pilot Program page; ORS 197A.425.
Check what fits on your Milwaukie lot
Send your address. We confirm the zone, the review track and your sewer provider.