2026 ADU lottery application cycle open April 1 – May 30 for San Juan County

A total of eight (8) eligibility slots are available for the 2026 cycle

||| FROM SAN JAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

Between April 1 and May 30, the San Juan County Department of Community Development (DCD) will be accepting Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) applications for detached ADU permits proposed outside of urban growth areas and activity centers. ADU lottery applications for determining eligibility must be received no later than May 30, 2026. A total of eight (8) eligibility slots are available for the 2026 cycle. 

ADU Eligibility Application 

In accordance with Resolution 59-2009 and Resolution 62-2016, a fee of $245 is charged for ADU Lottery Applications for an ADU permit. The application form is available in DCD Offices located at 135 Rhone St, Friday Harbor as well as online using this hyperlink: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/32138/2025-ADU-Lottery_Eligibility-Application  

Complete applications, including ADU Lottery Application Form and requisite fee, must be submitted to DCD in one of three ways: 

• Apply in person at DCD’s office during business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (except holidays) at 135 Rhone Street, Friday Harbor, Washington
• Apply by mail addressed to SJC Dept. of Community Development at P.O. Box 947, 98250
• Apply online via the County’s Online Permit System under the Category for “Land Use” > ADU Eligibility Request

Lottery

The above ADU category caps are calculated in accordance with San Juan County Code 18.40.240 and are based on the number of development permits issued in 2025 for new principal residences outside of urban growth areas or activity centers. The number of ADU applications for new structures did not exceed the allowable number available and does not warrant a lottery. There were 5 applications for ADU conversion, with only 1 available as noted above. Therefore, a lottery is required and will be held on June 16, 2026 at 11 AM in the Health Conference Room, 145 Rhone Street, Friday Harbor, WA. 

General information regarding ADUs, detached ADUs, and past lotteries is available on the County’s website: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/638/Accessory-Dwelling-Unit-Information  

Questions? Contact Christopher Jones, San Juan County Building Official, 360-776-9808, christopherj@sanjuancountywa.gov  

About San Juan County’s Department of Community Development  

San Juan County’s Department of Community Development is responsible for building permits and inspections, code enforcement, land use designations, long range planning, and more. The department’s main office is located at 135 Rhone Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Community Development, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1778/Community-Development.