Tacoma DADU Basics & Code Masterclass Replay
Learn how to unlock rental income or multi-generational living with Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) in Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, and Pierce County.
Tacoma DADU Basics & Zoning Masterclass with Matt Rody
Recorded Live • Host: Matt Rody & Elisa DeVita (Tacoma DADU)
Everything You Need to Know About Building a DADU in Pierce County
An outline of the topics covered in this webinar recording — in the order they're discussed.
Webinar Kickoff & Team Introductions
Meet Matt Rody, Elisa DeVita (Director of Design), and the Tacoma DADU team.
What Is a DADU & Who Is It For?
Definition of a Detached ADU, up to 2 per lot, and the three primary use cases.
DADU Types & Sizes
Rambler, Carriage House, and 3-bed/2-bath two-story — from 290 to 1,000 sq ft.
Build Tiers & the ~11-Month Timeline
Model, semi-custom, and full custom tiers — design, permitting, and construction phases.
Pricing Tiers & What's Included
Quinault (~$215k), Rambler (~$255k–$270k), 3-bed & Carriage House (~$310k–$320k).
Utility Connection Costs
Why utilities are quoted separately — ranging from ~$3,800 up to ~$39,000 by site.
The Condo-ing Process & Its Value
Separating parcels in ~3–3.5 months; Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac acceptance and reconveyance.
Geographic Coverage & Municipality Notes
Pierce County core, South King expansion, plus areas to approach with caution.
Live Audience Q&A
Public works, financing & HELOCs, garages, permits, and service-area questions.
Tacoma & Pierce County allow up to 2 DADUs plus 1 attached ADU.
Garages & covered storage do NOT count toward this limit!
3-month process to parcel and sell DADUs individually.
Reserve Your Spot for the Next DADU & ADU Live Workshop
Join Matt Rody & team live for deep-dive pricing breakdowns, Tacoma zoning updates, site feasibility maps, and a live Q&A.
Will a DADU Fit on Your Lot?
Enter your lot dimensions to get an instant estimate of buildable square footage, applicable Tacoma & Pierce County limits, and which DADU models are likely to fit. This is a screening tool — Matt offers a free lot evaluation for exact numbers.
Your Lot Dimensions
Tacoma & Pierce County allow up to 2 DADUs plus 1 attached ADU per lot.
Feasible — looks buildable
Your lot appears to support a standard DADU footprint. Book a free lot evaluation to confirm setbacks, utility runs, and lot coverage with the main house.
Recommended DADU Models
Quinault
480 sq ft1 Bed · 1 BathCompact 480 sq ft single-story — ideal for tight footprints and small lots.
Rambler
720 sq ft2 Bed · 1 BathSingle-story 2-bed rambler — popular with retirees and long-term rentals.
3-Bed Two-Story
1000 sq ft3 Bed · 2 BathMaximum-size two-story — the largest typical DADU build on one footprint.
Carriage House
1000 sq ft2 Bed · 1 BathGarage below, ~1,000 sq ft unit above — garage sq ft excluded from the limit.
Estimates only. Final feasibility depends on lot coverage, the main house footprint, utility runs, easements, and storm requirements. Get exact numbers with a free lot evaluation.
Your 11-Month DADU Build Journey
From first sketch to move-in day. Click any month on the timeline — or step through with the arrows — to see what's happening during each phase of your Tacoma DADU project.
Design & Engineering
~2 monthsArchitectural, structural, and site engineering tailored to your lot and chosen model tier.
Architectural & structural drafting
Floor plans, elevations, and structural engineering for your selected model — from the ~60–70 standard designs up to a full custom design-build.
Site engineering & civil design
Topographic survey, utility routing, and lot-specific civil work scoped to your setbacks and utility runs.
Model tier selection
Model (fastest, most cost-efficient), semi-custom (room/bath modifications), or full custom / design-build (separate design contract, fully bespoke).
Timelines are typical averages. Model permits in Tacoma currently run 4–8 weeks, and permitting can stretch to ~5 months in busier or less DADU-familiar jurisdictions.
Start My ProjectQuestions Asked During the Live Webinar
Here are the exact questions asked by live attendees (Ben, Glen, Rick, Lin, Matt, Patty, etc.) answered directly by Matt Rody and Director of Design Elisa DeVita.
A DADU (Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a standalone, fully independent living structure built on an existing residential lot. In Tacoma and major Pierce County jurisdictions, you are allowed up to 2 DADUs plus 1 attached ADU per property, subject to lot coverage, setbacks, and storm/utility requirements.
Because site conditions vary, we offer transparent model tier pricing: Our 480 sq ft Quinault model starts at ~$215,000 total (including sales tax). A 2-bed rambler model runs ~$255,000-$270,000, while a 3-bed/2-bath or Carriage House model ranges between ~$310,000 and ~$320,000. Utility connections and site-specific civil work are quoted separately.
Condo-ing allows you to legally separate the main residence and the DADU into individual parcels with their own tax IDs without doing a full land lot split. Process takes ~3 to 3.5 months: 1) Topographic boundary survey, 2) Attorney legal declaration & HOA bylaws creation, and 3) Recording with Pierce County. You can start condo-ing before or during construction so it's ready for sale as soon as finished!
Have a Specific Lot or Question Not Covered Here?
Matt Rody offers free lot consultations across Pierce & South King County to evaluate your parcel's zoning, setbacks, utility lines, and DADU capacity.