​ Accessory Dwelling Units | The City of Lakewood, Ohio

Accessory Dwelling Units


Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) means a self-contained dwelling unit designed for occupancy by one family for living and sleeping purposes that provides complete independent living facilities, including its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area that is located on the same lot as a larger single-family dwelling that serves as the principal use of the lot; and whose use is subordinate and incidental to the larger single-family dwelling. (1103.02) 

Types of ADUs

Attached ADUs

Attached to Principal Structure

 

Attached to Accessory Structure

 

Detached ADUs

  • How to Apply for an ADU+-

    1. Verify that the property meets the eligibility requirements. 

    ADUs are permitted on certain properties.  Below is a list of property requirements defining where ADUs can be built. 

    • ADUs are only permitted on R-2 Single- and Two-Family District zoned properties. Search for the zoning of your property here.  
    • The R-2 District zoned property can only have one existing single-family dwelling unit on it. 

    The owner of the property must occupy either the existing single-family dwelling unit or the proposed ADU as their primary residence.

    2. Verify the proposed ADU meets the physical location requirements.     

    Read about physical location requirements here. 

    3. Contact the Planning & Development Department for informal review.  

    Residents are encouraged to contact the Planning & Development Department to discuss their proposed ADU prior to preparing construction documents and submitting any applications. City Staff can help provide guidance on the applicable zoning and building code rules and regulations. 

    Contact the Planning & Development Department at 216-529-6630.

    4. Apply for conditional use permit from Planning Commission. 

    Read about the Planning Commission application process here.  

     Some ADU projects may require additional approvals by the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) and/or the Board of Building Standards (BBS). Contact the Planning & Development Department to see if your project requires additional approvals.  

    5. Apply for approval from the Architectural Board of Review.  

    An ADU must be reviewed and approved by the Architectural Board of Review in accordance with any applicable requirements, standards, and guidelines.

    To apply for ABR, click here and, once on the web page, click “APPLY NOW” under “Apply to Architectural Board of Review.” That will take you to Citizen Serve to create an account and fill out/upload files for your ABR application. There is a $50 fee associated with this application.  

    With your ABR application, please submit a site plan, plans for exterior elevations, color renderings of the building/site, cut sheets for all finishes (windows, doors, lighting, façade materials, etc.), and landscape plan.  

    6. Apply for the Building Permit  

    A building permit is required to build a new ADU. Your project will also require electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. Heat, electrical, and plumbing must be installed in all ADUs. 

    View Building Permit requirements here. Building Permit applications can be submitted online via CitizenServe. 

    Construction documents and permit application are required to be submitted to the Building Department.

    City of Lakewood Division of Water and Sewer will require individual sanitary, storm, and water tap to separate the ADU from the primary residence.

    Contact the Illuminating Company (electrical provider) and Enbridge (natural gas provider) prior to submittal to understand any specific requirements these utility companies have on separate services.

    7. Request a New Address or Building Number 

    Addresses will be assigned for ADUs. For example: 1234 Marlowe would have an address associated with the ADU as 1234 ½ Marlowe. The assigned ADU address needs to be posted in the yard, or on the primary structure visible from the right of way. The address change will be reported to Cuyahoga County by the Building Commissioner.

    Contact the Building Department at 216-529-6270 for further instructions.

    8. Pay the Plan Review Fees and complete the Review Process 

    Residential Plan Approval applications can be submitted online via CitizenServe.
    Plan reviews can take up to but not exceeding 30 days.

    9. Pay the Permit Fees and Activate the Permits 

    Pay permit fees and activate permits through your CitizenServe account.

    10.     Begin Construction and Schedule Inspections 

    Contact the Building Department at 216-529-6270 to schedule inspections.
    View a sample inspection checklist here.  

    11. Upon completion, the applicant will receive a Certificate of Occupancy and Certificate of Completion. 

  • FAQs+-

    Does an ADU have to be detached from the single-family residence?

    No. While detached ADUs are permitted, an ADU can also be attached to the principal structure.  If the ADU is attached to the principal structure, it must be designed in a manner to minimize the impact to the principal structure.

    Can one property have two ADUs? Can one ADU be attached to the principal structure, with a separate ADU detached elsewhere on the property?

    No, only one ADU is permitted per lot.

    Does the owner have to occupy the single-family dwelling unit?

    The owner must maintain residence in either the single-family dwelling unit or ADU.

    Can I convert my basement or attic to an ADU?

    No.  ADUs can only be attached to a principal structure.  Conversions of basements and attics of the principal structure are not permitted.

    Can I turn an existing non-conforming unit into an ADU?

    It depends. The existing non-conforming unit must meet all ADU requirements and comply with current building codes. The Building Department will conduct a site visit to determine feasibility. Contact the Planning & Development Department to discuss your plans.

    Can I add an ADU over my existing garage?

    It depends. The addition must comply with requirements for an ADU, and the existing garage must be assessed to determine compliance with current building codes. Contact the Planning & Development Department to discuss your plans.

    Can I use a recreational vehicle as an ADU on my property?

    No, detached ADUs must be of permanent construction.

    Do ADUs need their own independent utility service, or can I use utilities from the principal structure?

    A separate service will need to be installed and metered separately for the addition of a dwelling unit.

    Can an ADU be used as a short-term rental, e.g., Airbnb or Vrbo?

    ADUs cannot be rented for a period of less than 60 days.

    What is the maximum height allowed for an ADU?

    For attached ADUs, the maximum height shall be that applicable to the single-family home.

    For detached ADUs or ADUs attached to an accessory structure, the maximum height shall be that applicable for an accessory structure.

    In no instance shall the height of the ADU exceed the height of the single-family home.

    Do I have to provide additional parking for an ADU?

    Yes, there must be one designated off-street parking space for the ADU on the lot where the ADU is located.

    Do I need a separate address for my ADU? How do I get one?

    Yes. Contact the Building Department at 216-529-6270 for instructions.

    Can I sell my ADU separately from my single-family home?

    No, an ADU cannot be separately conveyed for sale or purchase from the principal structure on the lot.

    What is the penalty for not complying with ADU regulations?

    An owner found to be in non-compliance with ADU regulations will lose their conditional use permit and further action will be taken at the determination of the City.