Rejuvenation Projects Blog

The design process for this project has been a harrowing experience. We discovered that the zoning of this land has a minimum density requirement that will require us to build at least two units per parcel. This has turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We have worked with our designer to come up with a plan that includes an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in the basement level of the house. The ADU will have its own separate entrance as well as living area, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and laundry, all of which may be completely closed off from the main house or used as part of the living area of the house simply by unlocking a door. With such an arrangement, a variety of options exist for how this space may be used. For example, one generation could live on the upper two levels, while grandparents live in the ADU below. Alternatively, the ADU could be used as an entertaining space, a home office, or guest quarters. Perhaps the most likely use would be to rent the ADU out, and the income used to offset the mortgage expense on the home. Based on general rent rates in the area, it appears that the ADU could generate enough rental income to cover a significant portion of the interest. This should add considerable value to the future owners of these homes.

The permitting process for this project has been even more harrowing than the design. It appears that the fates were against us when we submitted our plans, because our plans were apparently put in the hands of the most cranky design review person in the city of Portland. We found this out the hard way as our plans were sent back to us with a list of corrections a total of 4 times, with each list of corrections containing new things not previously seen on the prior submissions. Usually, plans get returned once or twice with a checklist of corrections that only grows shorter each time the plan is resubmitted. This plans examiner saw fit to make our checklist grow longer with each submission. Eventually, we had to take the matter to her supervisor in the commissioner’s office. The supervisor saw the level of resistance we were getting and promptly instructed the examiner to give us our approval and get our permits out. This whole process took about 3 months, during which time we were sitting on vacant land with a construction loan that was racking up interest. It’s difficult to express how frustrating it is to watch your profit margin on a project dwindle while someone at the city apparently tries to make themselves feel important by giving you a hard time.

But alas, we have completed our design work and plans review. Permits are in hand, and we are ready to rock and roll!

For more information on this project, visit our web site.