The Medford Land Development Code (MLDC) defines Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a “...detached or attached dwelling unit that is additional and auxiliary to a single-family dwelling, and is on the same tax lot.” Common names for ADUs include in-law suite, accessory apartment or second unit.
For a full list of the standards, see Medford Municipal Code, Chapter 10 (referred to as MLDC), Section 10.821.
City-assessed SDC charges will be reduced by 50% for new ADU building permits during the period of December 1, 2020 through June 1, 2022. This includes fees for Transportation, Sanitary Sewer Collection, Stormwater, and Parks; it does not include Sanitary Sewer Treatment.
There’s more! After the SDC fees are reduced by 50%, the City’s Housing Opportunity Fund will pick up the remaining 50%, including the Sanitary Sewer Treatment fee.
The program applies to new ADU building permits only; existing ADUs do not qualify.
To qualify for ADU SDC fee reduction, the property owner must agree to:
Not use the ADU as a short-term rental (renting to overnight guests for fewer than 30 consecutive days) for a period of 10 years from the City’s acceptance of the application;
Execute a Restrictive Covenant, record it with Jackson County at your expense, and file it with the City prior to issuance of permit; and
Report rents annually to the City and certify that the ADU was not used as a short-term rental
What happens if I default?
If the property owner defaults, payment of the equivalent to the reduced SDC fees with accrued interest will be due in full. If not paid within 60 days, an 18% interest charge will be applied effective at the end of the month in which the payment is due.
About the Housing Opportunity Fund
The Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) will fund the remaining SDC fees after the 50% reduction. This portion of the program is funded by the Construction Excise Tax collected by the City .
The HOF will supplement the SDC reduction program for an 18 month period or until funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first.
How to apply
An ADU SDC Reduction Request form and copy of the property deed with legal description must be submitted with your building permit application. The form along with a sample covenant can be downloaded from the City website.