 July 28, 2025
Kitsap County Clarifies Rules for Guest Houses and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
PORT ORCHARD, Wash. – The Kitsap County Department of Community Development has released an official interpretation to clarify the difference between guest houses and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), helping property owners better understand what's allowed when building or remodeling on their land.
The interpretation outlines what features are permitted in each type of living space, based on Kitsap County Code Title 17 and applicable building codes.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small, secondary home located on the same property as the main house. It can be either attached to the main home or built separately. To qualify as an ADU, the structure must include both a kitchen and a bathroom.
A Guest House, on the other hand, can only have a kitchen or a bathroom, but not both. For example:
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If a guest house includes a bathtub or shower, it cannot include a sink anywhere other than a bathroom, nor electrical or gas wiring or connections that support or could support permanent cooking appliances.
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If a guest house includes a kitchen, it cannot include 1) a bathtub or shower, or 2) a toilet and wash basin or combination basin set.
The clarification also explains:
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Attached ADUs must connect to the main home by at least a 4-foot-wide enclosed hallway or breezeway.
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Guest houses or ADUs located over or next to garages or shops are considered the same structure and must still follow all kitchen and bathroom rules.
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Even if an applicant labels a structure as a "studio" or "office," the County will evaluate it based on its actual layout and features.
The interpretation signed by DCD Director Rafe Wysham and Current Planning Supervisor Darren Gurnee, is posted on the DCD website and will be considered for future updates to the County's zoning code. The decision is subject to appeal under Kitsap County Code 21.04.040.
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