Can an ADU be sold separately from the house in Ferndale?

No. An accessory dwelling cannot be split onto its own lot (Section 5.01.A). The unit is tied to the lot it shares with the principal dwelling, so you cannot subdivide and sell the ADU as a standalone property.

The same section frames the relationship: an accessory dwelling is allowed only on a lot that holds a one-, two-, or three-unit dwelling. The ADU is accessory to that principal use, not an independent parcel in waiting.

What you can do:

• Rent the ADU long-term, since no owner-occupancy requirement exists in the code.
• Sell the entire property with both dwellings together.
• In R-1, note the cap of four units per lot including an accessory dwelling (Section 2.03.A).

For questions about condominium structures or other ownership arrangements, ask Community and Economic Development at 248-336-4370. The zoning code only answers the lot-split question.