Design Review

Frequently asked

• What does Design Review mean in the context of an ADU?

  Design Review is part of the regulatory and technical vocabulary you encounter when permitting and building an accessory dwelling unit in Washington. Knowing the term matters because reviewers, inspectors, and your lender will use it without explanation. We define Design Review in plain English and connect it to the specific code citation, fee, or construction detail that affects your project. Use the related-terms section to navigate adjacent concepts you'll need on the same plan set.

  Go deeper: Read the ADU stormwater & detention requirements in Puget Sound (2026) guide→

• Where does Design Review apply in the WA ADU process?

  Design Review typically shows up in either the design phase (when the architect or designer is laying out plans against zoning), the permit phase (when reviewers check the submittal against code), or the construction phase (when inspectors verify built conditions match the approved set). The same term can appear in your loan documents if it affects valuation or risk. Each glossary entry maps the term to the exact phase where it matters most.

  Go deeper: Read the Seattle SDCI ADU permit process, step by step (2026) guide→

• Why should I care about Design Review for my project?

  Misunderstanding Design Review is one of the most common reasons ADU projects hit avoidable cost overruns or permit delays. A clear shared vocabulary between you, your designer, and your builder shortens decision time and reduces change orders. Bookmark this glossary and refer back as you progress from feasibility through final inspection.

  Go deeper: Read the Seattle Design Review for ADUs: when it applies (2026) guide→

• How does Design Review affect my ADU budget?

  Most glossary terms map to either a cost line, a review timeline, or a permit fee. Where Design Review drives cost, the impact is itemized in our standard fee schedule and itemized at feasibility — so by contract time, Design Review is a known number, not a discovered surprise. Click through to the related cost or permit page for the current Design Review-specific dollar range and timeline.

  Go deeper: Read the ADU stormwater & detention requirements in Puget Sound (2026) guide→

• Is Design Review regulated under RCW 36.70A.681?

  WA statewide ADU preemption (RCW 36.70A.681 / HB 1337) covers many ADU-adjacent topics: size caps, setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, height, lot-size minimums. Whether Design Review falls under preemption depends on its specific scope — design review, side-sewer permitting, drainage review, and tree-protection rules are generally NOT preempted, while size/setback/parking generally ARE. Each glossary entry flags the preemption status.

  Go deeper: Read the Seattle Design Review for ADUs: when it applies (2026) guide→