Check Your Property

Before you hire a designer or spend money on plans, spend 15 minutes checking whether your property can support an ADU. Most of this research is free and available online through City of Ashland tools.

✓

ADUs are permitted outright in all Ashland residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3, and some mixed-use zones). No Planning Action or discretionary review is required — you go straight to building permits.

Four things to look up before you go further

  1. Find your zoning district

    ADUs are allowed in all residential zones in Ashland (R-1, R-2, R-3, and some mixed-use zones). Your zoning determines which ADU types are permitted and what size limits apply. ADUs cannot be used as travelers' accommodations in single-family zones.

    Look up your zoning on the Ashland GIS Map →

    Look for your parcel and check the 'Zoning' layer. If you're unsure, call Planning at 541-488-5305.

  2. Measure your lot

    Ashland requires a minimum lot size for ADUs. Detached ADUs generally require at least 5,000 sq ft. Your lot dimensions also affect where a detached ADU can be placed and what size is feasible.

    Find your lot size on Jackson County Assessor →

    Search by address or tax lot number. Your lot size appears on the property record.

  3. Check setbacks and coverage

    Setbacks are the minimum distances your ADU must be from property lines, the primary home, and other structures. Ashland's setbacks vary by zone. Lot coverage limits cap how much of your lot can be covered by structures. Also check for physical constraints: existing trees, riparian areas, floodplains, wetlands, or steep slopes.

    Review Ashland Development Standards →

    A pre-application conference with City Planning can clarify setbacks for your specific parcel.

  4. Assess utility capacity

    Your ADU will need water, sewer, and electrical service. Ashland requires a separate electric meter for ADUs. Check with Ashland Public Works (541-488-5587) about water/sewer capacity and connection fees, and with the Electric Department (541-552-2389) about electrical service capacity. Gas service from Avista is optional — all-electric ADUs are common and may qualify for City energy rebates.

    Ashland Public Works →

    Utility connection fees can be a significant cost. Get a preliminary estimate before finalizing your budget.

Free pre-application conference

The City of Ashland offers a free 30-minute pre-application conference with a city planner. This is the most reliable way to get answers specific to your parcel — zoning, setbacks, design review requirements, utility constraints, and any known issues. You'll also receive the City's free pre-approved ADU plan sets at this meeting.

  • Cost: Free
  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • What to bring: Your property address, a rough sketch of your idea, and your questions
  • What you'll receive: Site-specific guidance and access to the City's free pre-approved plan sets
Contact Planning Division
541-488-5305 [email protected]

Pre-application conference details verified August 2026. Confirm current availability at ashland.or.us.

Official City resources

Property checks out? Choose your plan.

Once you know your zoning and lot constraints, you're ready to explore design options — including the City's seven free pre-approved plan sets.

Browse Free Plan Options →