Poulsbo permit guide
Building an ADU in Poulsbo: what the permit rules say
Quoted from Poulsbo's own pages, with the date we read them: October 13, 2026.
Short answer
Permit required
In Poulsbo an ADU is permitted through a Building Permit with the Building Department and reviewed by the Planning Department. The City allows two ADUs per principal residential unit in residential zones, each up to 1,000 square feet, and limits a detached ADU to 25 feet in height. Source [1]Source [2]
The rule, quoted
The City's ADU page lists "Current Code Allowances" under Poulsbo Municipal Code (PMC) 18.70.070 A Source [1], and describes the permitting process:
ADU’s are permitted through a Building Permit with the Building Department and reviewed by the Planning Department.
Two accessory dwelling units per principal residential unit are permitted in residential zoning districts.
Each accessory dwelling unit shall contain no more than 1,000 square feet excluding garages, storage areas less than 5 feet in height, and porches and covered decks.
A detached ADU shall be limited to twenty-five feet in height and be separated from the primary residence as required by the city’s adopted building code.
One (additional) off-street parking space provided for each ADU, unless located within one-half mile walking distance of a major transit stop.
May not be used as a short-term rental and must be rented for a minimum of ninety days or more (note: the City of Poulsbo does not regulate short term rentals).
What to submit
- Applications are made through the City's SmartGov online portal, and "Plans must be uploaded in PDF format through SmartGov (no secure or password-protected files)." Source [4]
- The City's Permit Ready ADU page lists a Permit Ready ADU Application Form and says to "Prepare and Submit Your Application Packet". Source [3]
- For fees, the handout says "Please contact Building Department to determine fees." Source [2]
Worth knowing
- The City's Permit Ready ADU program offers pre-approved plans, and says "both the building and engineering plans are completely free to all residents and builders." Source [3]
- "Impact fees are required for ADUs and are charged at time of building permit issuance." Source [3]
- A fee estimate can be requested by email: "You can request a Permit Fee estimate by emailing building@cityofpoulsbo.com." Source [3]
- The City says "Modifications to the permit ready plans may disqualify the pre-approved status of the plans." Source [3]
- Critical areas matter early: "If yes, additional setbacks (buffers) and special reports may be required before a building permit can be issued." Source [3]
Sources
Where this comes from
Compiled from Poulsbo's published rules; last checked
JKM pulls the permit as part of the job
Call Ian Laughlin at (206) 226-1988, or send the address and the scope. We find the right office and take it from there.