City of Renton’s permit-ready housing program wins VISION 2050 award

Program reduces barriers to constructing Accessory Dwelling Units.

By Cameron Sheppard • November 16, 2022 12:30 pm
Mayor Armondo Pavone accepts the VISION 2050 Award from the Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Director Josh Brown. They are joined by Renton Planning Commission members, city Community & Economic Development staff, and city council members. (Courtesy of City of Renton)
Mayor Armondo Pavone accepts the VISION 2050 Award from the Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Director Josh Brown. They are joined by Renton Planning Commission members, city Community & Economic Development staff, and city council members. (Courtesy of City of Renton)

The City of Renton’s innovative Permit Ready Accessory Dwelling Unit Program (PRADU) has won a VISION 2050 Award from the Puget Sound Regional Council.

“We need more viable affordable housing options,” said Mayor Armondo Pavone. “Our PRADU program provides homeowners a turnkey option and significant savings for design and permitting.”

Through the PRADU Program, Renton property owners can access free pre-approved base plans, technical assistance from staff, expedited permitting, and reduced administrative fees. In addition, the program promotes ADUs as an essential option to increase the city’s housing inventory, diversify housing options, and create more financially attainable housing opportunities.

The program features eight pre-designed and engineered ADU plans ranging from 418 to 1,000 square feet. Each model has three to six architectural variations, resulting in 32 unique designs. All plans meet city and state regulations. By offering multiple styles and sizes, interested residential property owners can select a plan that fits their needs.

The PRADU program waives fees for application submission and review and any applicable impact fees. Additional fee reductions are available.

Applicants can save an estimated $40,000 by using the pre-approved plans, technical assistance, and fee reductions. In addition, PRADU building permits can be issued within a week of application submission.

In presenting the award at the Nov. 7 city council meeting, Josh Brown, executive director of the Puget Sound Regional Council, told the mayor, council, and audience, “your Permit Ready ADU Program is being recognized under our ‘Planning Ahead’ category for VISION 2050 Award. As many of us know, we’re wrestling with housing affordability in the region. We’re trying to find out and discover new ways to bring online more middle housing throughout the PSRC region. This program is one very impactful step headed in the right direction.”

Interested Renton property owners can learn more about the Permit Ready ADU Program on the city’s website.