Is an ADU allowed in Ferndale?

Yes. Ferndale permits accessory dwellings by right in the R-1, R-2, MXD-1, and MXD-2 districts (Section 2.05). No public hearing or special approval is required. Review is administrative through the Building Department (Section 9.07).

The by-right permission comes with conditions under Section 5.01:

• The lot must already hold a one-, two-, or three-unit dwelling (Section 5.01.A).
• The unit must connect to city-approved water and sewer (Section 5.01.B).
• Footprint, height, and setback limits apply (Section 5.01.C).

This makes Ferndale unusually permissive. The code imposes no owner-occupancy requirement and no parking requirement for an accessory dwelling. Both absences are verified in the current code and Parking Manual.

One drafting note. The footprint provision in Section 5.01.C contains a typo, so confirm the exact size limit with Community and Economic Development at 248-336-4370 before designing.