City Corner: Ashland offers pre-approved plans for building ADUs

The Ashland Department of Community Development offers seven free plans for constructing accessory dwelling units to property owners who want to build one. Image provided by the city of Ashland
November 5, 2025

Property owners who want to add an accessory dwelling unit can get free designs that meet all code requirements

By Brandon Goldman

The city of Ashland is making it easier than ever for property owners to add an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, to their residentially zoned property. The city now offers seven free, pre-approved ADU designs that meet all local building code requirements, saving time and simplifying the permitting process.

By streamlining ADU development, Ashland aims to expand housing options, promote affordability and meet the diverse needs of its residents. ADUs within Ashland’s single-family zones are not permitted for use as travelers’ accommodations, ensuring that these units serve as much-needed housing for full-time residents.

These initiatives reflect the city’s ongoing commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth and to maintaining the character of Ashland’s neighborhoods.

To explore the available design options and learn more about building an ADU, visit ashlandoregon.gov/ADU or contact the Community Development Department at [email protected].

Brandon Goldman is the director of Community Development for Ashland.

Email letters to the editor and Viewpoint submissions to [email protected].

Picture of Jim

Jim

Related Posts...

City Corner: Emergency preparedness in a wildfire-prone urban setting

Ashland Emergency Management Coordinator Kelly Burns: What we learned from the Almeda Fire is that we need each other; no one gets through this alone. Ashland is better prepared today because we faced one of our worst times together. We’re not done learning or preparing, but every step towards preparing together, at any level, makes us more resilient.

Read More »

City Corner: What is a management resolution anyway?

Mayor Tonya Graham: We have seven unions as well as a group of city employees who are not represented by unions. That group is called the “management pool.” It includes general clerical workers, parks employees, supervisors, department heads, our city manager, and our city attorney, among others. 

Read More »

Our Sponsors

Literary Arts The Moth Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall Portland Oregon
Siskiyou School's Winter Faire Festival and Holiday Market Ashland Oregon
Ashland Food Project Building Community Ashland Oregon

Latest posts

Phoenix-Talent Empty Bowls fundraiser coming up Sunday in Phoenix

State Sen. Jeff Gordan and State Rep. Pam Marsh will both serve as celebrity servers at the annual Phoenix-Talent Empty Bowls fundraiser this Sunday. More than 325 bowls handcrafted by local clay artists in cooperation with Talent Maker City, will be available at the annual Phoenix-Talent Empty Bowls fundraiser from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 9.

Read More >

Letter: Council caves to top staff but is unkind to the unhoused

Ambuja Rosen: It seems to me that at least some of the time, the City Council is a yes-man for top staff. Not just the top staff who want Ashlanders to fund their substantial and frequent raises. But also the police chief, who has gotten council to “yes” him twice as he increasingly buckles down on our homeless citizens.

Read More >

Art that builds bridges

PHOENIX — A recent presentation at Phoenix’s Langford Gallery with writing and artistic elements focused on politics and bridging the political divide.

Read More >

Our Sponsors

Ashland Climate Collaborative Sreets for Everyone Ashland Oregon
Ashland Community Composting Ashland Oregon
Conscious Design Build Ashland Oregon
Pronto Printing Ashland Medford Southern Oregon

Explore More...

State Sen. Jeff Gordan and State Rep. Pam Marsh will both serve as celebrity servers at the annual Phoenix-Talent Empty Bowls fundraiser this Sunday. More than 325 bowls handcrafted by local clay artists in cooperation with Talent Maker City, will be available at the annual Phoenix-Talent Empty Bowls fundraiser from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 9.
There's not enough snow for skiing and snowboarding at the Mt. Ashland Ski Area yet, but there's plenty going on to keep folks busy.
Ambuja Rosen: It seems to me that at least some of the time, the City Council is a yes-man for top staff. Not just the top staff who want Ashlanders to fund their substantial and frequent raises. But also the police chief, who has gotten council to “yes” him twice as he increasingly buckles down on our homeless citizens.
Ashland's Oak Knoll Course is closed due to "extensive damage" from a wind storm Tuesday evening.
PHOENIX — A recent presentation at Phoenix’s Langford Gallery with writing and artistic elements focused on politics and bridging the political divide.

Don't Miss Our Top Stories

Get our newsletter delivered to your inbox three times a week.
It’s FREE and you can cancel anytime.

ashland.news logo

Subscribe to the newsletter and get local news sent directly to your inbox.

(It’s free)