San Juan County Opens 2026 ADU Lottery Application Cycle

Eight eligibility slots available for detached ADUs outside urban areas

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:40pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a small house icon repeated in a tight grid pattern, representing the concept of accessory dwelling units in San Juan County.The limited ADU lottery slots in San Juan County encourage residents to apply early and ensure a fair, transparent process for new detached accessory dwelling units.Friday Harbor Today

The San Juan County Department of Community Development will be accepting Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) lottery applications for detached ADU permits proposed outside of urban growth areas and activity centers from April 1 to May 30, 2026. A total of eight eligibility slots are available for the 2026 cycle.

Why it matters

The ADU lottery program helps regulate the number of new detached ADUs built in unincorporated areas of San Juan County, balancing housing needs with environmental concerns. The limited number of slots encourages residents to apply early and ensures a fair, transparent process.

The details

Applicants must submit the ADU Lottery Application Form and a $245 fee to the DCD by May 30, 2026. Applications can be submitted in person, by mail, or online. If more than eight applications are received, a public lottery will be held on June 16, 2026 to determine the eight eligible applicants.

  • The ADU lottery application cycle is open from April 1 to May 30, 2026.
  • The public lottery to determine the eight eligible applicants will be held on June 16, 2026 at 11 AM.

The players

San Juan County Department of Community Development

The county department responsible for building permits, code enforcement, land use planning, and more.

Christopher Jones

The San Juan County Building Official who can be contacted with questions about the ADU lottery.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The ADU lottery program in San Juan County helps manage growth and development in unincorporated areas, ensuring a fair process for residents who want to build detached accessory dwelling units.