ADU Feasibility Portland: How to Know If Your Lot Qualifies Before Designing

Before investing time and money into architectural drawings, homeowners should first determine
ADU feasibility Portland. Not every property qualifies for an accessory dwelling unit,
and zoning rules, setbacks, and lot constraints can quickly stop a project if they are not checked early.

A proper feasibility review helps you confirm whether an ADU is allowed on your property, what size it can be,
and what design limitations apply—before drafting begins.

What ADU Feasibility Means in Portland

ADU feasibility is the process of evaluating whether your lot can legally support an accessory dwelling unit
under Portland zoning and development standards. This review typically examines:

Zoning designation, minimum lot size, setback requirements, maximum building coverage, allowable ADU size,
parking rules, and access constraints all factor into whether an ADU is feasible on a specific property.

Understanding these requirements upfront prevents redesigns, rejected permits, and unexpected project delays.

Common Issues That Affect ADU Feasibility

Many homeowners assume ADUs are automatically allowed everywhere in Portland. In reality, several common issues
can impact feasibility:

Lots with limited rear yard depth, irregular shapes, existing structures too close to property lines,
or utility conflicts may require design adjustments or limit ADU size. Historic overlays, environmental zones,
and easements can also introduce additional restrictions.

This is why confirming ADU feasibility Portland before drafting plans is critical.

How the ADU Wizard Evaluates Feasibility

Our interactive

ADU Feasibility Wizard

was created to help homeowners evaluate their property before committing to design work.

The Wizard reviews zoning rules, setbacks, and development constraints across Portland and surrounding areas
including Gresham, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Salem, Keizer, Marion County, and Clark County.

With a $250 upgrade, you can download preliminary ADU plans from our library or upload your own
plans for zoning and feasibility review—saving time and avoiding costly missteps.

Why Feasibility Comes Before ADU Plans

Skipping feasibility checks often leads to plan revisions, redesign fees, and extended permit review cycles.
By confirming feasibility first, your preliminary ADU plans are built around real constraints—not assumptions.

This approach results in cleaner drawings, fewer reviewer comments, and a smoother path to permit approval.

Work Directly With an Experienced ADU Draftsman

With decades of hands-on experience in residential construction and architectural drafting, I work directly
with clients throughout the feasibility and design process. You receive accurate guidance, clear revisions,
and permit-ready drawings tailored to your specific lot.

Check Your ADU Feasibility Today

Before starting design, confirm whether your property qualifies. Use the

ADU Feasibility Wizard

to evaluate your lot and determine the best path forward for your ADU project in Portland.