The purpose of this chapter is to encourage rural families to remain in Lewis County, to assist in the economic use of the existing housing stock, and to promote affordable housing.
(Ord. 1179, 2002; Ord. 1179B § 2, 2003; Ord. 1283 § 18, 2017)
(1) 
This chapter does not apply within urban growth areas; please see Chapter 17.15 LCC, Urban Growth Areas - Cities, and Chapter 17.17 LCC, Urban Growth Areas - Small Towns. Outside of urban growth areas, this chapter applies to accessory dwelling units, or dwelling units that are clearly accessory to a primary residential use, but where no subdivision of the land is intended.
(a) 
This chapter is not intended to be used as a means to allow future divisions of property under LCC § 16.02.070.
(b) 
All future divisions of a property that occur where an accessory dwelling unit has been constructed must meet the minimum public health standards, as well as the lot size standards of the underlying zone and/or the applicable requirements of LCC Title 16.
(Ord. 1179, 2002; Ord. 1179B § 2, 2003; Ord. 1283 § 18, 2017; Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)
(1) 
Accessory dwelling units shall meet the following requirements:
(a) 
There shall be no more than one accessory dwelling unit per lot in conjunction with a single-family structure.
(b) 
The accessory dwelling unit shall share the same primary access to a public right-of-way as the principal use. Looped driveways shall have two approved road approaches.
(c) 
The accessory dwelling unit shall conform to the International Residential Code, Department of Labor and Industries standards, and/or all other applicable codes and ordinances.
(d) 
Where applicable, the accessory dwelling unit and existing residence on the property shall meet the lot size and setback requirements for water and septic systems in accordance with Chapters 8.40 and 8.55 LCC, as well as other relevant codes.
(e) 
No more than one family shall occupy the accessory dwelling unit.
(f) 
The accessory dwelling unit shall not contain more than two bedrooms and the total floor area for the accessory dwelling unit shall not exceed 1,296 square feet (to show that it is clearly accessory to the primary use).
(2) 
The approval of a building permit for an accessory dwelling unit shall include a condition that states that the accessory dwelling unit shall not be a cause for the future subdivision of the property, unless such subdivision is in compliance with all subdivision, zoning and other applicable development regulations in effect on the date of the application for the subdivision approval.
(Ord. 1179, 2002; Ord. 1179B § 2, 2003; Ord. 1283 § 18, 2017; Ord. 1367 (Exh. C), 2025)