Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Battle Ground WA can be one of the most rewarding investments you make for your property. Whether you want space for family, a long-term rental, or a future downsizing option, ADUs have become a smart, flexible way to add value and utility to a residential lot. Battle Ground has embraced ADUs in recent years, but it also has detailed rules that every homeowner must follow.
Wolf Industries has built more ADUs in Battle Ground than any other builder. Dozens of completed homes sit in neighborhoods throughout the area and every one of them was permitted, produced, and installed under the local rules explained in this guide.
Ready to find out what is possible on your property before you read further? Start here with our free property evaluation.
What an ADU Is in Battle Ground WA
The City of Battle Ground defines an ADU as a smaller, self-contained dwelling on the same lot as a primary home. It can be attached or detached and must include its own sleeping area, kitchen, and bathroom. Detached ADUs are especially popular in Battle Ground because they provide privacy for extended family and work well on suburban lots.
ADUs are regulated under Battle Ground Municipal Code 17.135. These rules outline size, placement, height, parking, and design requirements that every ADU must meet.
Where ADUs Are Allowed
ADUs are permitted in all single family residential zones that allow one detached home. This includes nearly all neighborhoods in the city limits. Before an ADU can be added, the lot must already contain one primary dwelling.
Wolf Industries begins every project by confirming zoning and site eligibility with the city. If you want to know quickly whether your property qualifies, use our free property evaluation.
Size Requirements for Battle Ground ADUs
According to BGMC 17.135.020, ADUs are subject to the following size standards:
- An ADU may not exceed 50 percent of the primary residence size or 800 square feet, whichever is greater.
- Minimum size requirements must meet building code standards for dwelling units.
- Lot coverage limits of the zoning district still apply.
For most Battle Ground homeowners, this means a detached ADU between 600 and 900 square feet fits comfortably within code requirements. Wolf Industries offers a variety of models that fall within these size limits and are pre-engineered for quick permitting.
Height and Setback Rules
Detached ADUs must comply with the height limits of the zoning district. Most residential districts allow a maximum height of two stories or the limit assigned to the primary house type. Setbacks are also required:
- Side and rear yard setbacks follow the base zoning district
- Front yard must match residential setback standards
- Access to the ADU must comply with fire department requirements
Wolf Industries creates site plans that meet all required setbacks while maximizing privacy and usable yard space.
Parking Requirements for ADUs in Battle Ground
According to the city FAQ, Battle Ground generally requires one additional off street parking space for an ADU. This space must be provided in addition to the required parking for the primary dwelling. In some rare cases, parking reductions may be allowed depending on site conditions.
This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask. Wolf reviews your parcel during the free property evaluation and confirms whether your site can support the required parking layout.
Design and Appearance Standards
Battle Ground requires that ADUs be visually compatible with the primary home. This includes:
- Similar roof pitch
- Exterior materials that complement the main house
- Proportionally scaled windows and trim
- Placement that does not overpower the primary dwelling in appearance
Wolf Industries designs can be tailored to meet these standards. Siding, roof materials, colors, and architectural details are selected to align with your existing home while still providing a clean and modern look.
Owner Occupancy Rules
Battle Ground often requires either the ADU or the primary home to be owner occupied. This ensures that ADUs remain part of the residential character of the neighborhood. Short term rentals are typically restricted for ADUs unless specifically allowed.
Wolf guides homeowners through each of these rules during the permitting process so there are no surprises.
Utilities and Access Requirements
Each ADU must have fully functional and separate living facilities. This includes:
- A kitchen
- A bathroom
- A dedicated sleeping area
- Proper utility connections according to city standards
- Adequate fire department access
- Addressing that allows emergency services to locate the ADU
Wolf Industries handles utility design, connection planning, and coordination with Battle Ground inspectors as part of the turn-key process.
The ADU Permit Process in Battle Ground
Most ADU projects must go through the following steps:
Pre-Application Review
Verification of zoning, setbacks, utilities, and site conditions.
Submittal of Permit Application
This includes site plan, floor plans, elevations, engineering documentation, and utility layouts.
Building Department Review
The city reviews the plans for compliance with BGMC 17.135 and residential building code.
Engineering and Public Works Review
If frontage, stormwater, or utility upgrades are required, they are reviewed at this stage.
Final Approval and Construction
Once approved, the ADU can move into the construction phase.
Wolf Industries manages all of these steps from start to finish and has extensive experience working directly with Battle Ground’s planning and building departments.
If you want to know what the permit process would look like for your site, request a free property evaluation today: https://wolfind.com/contact/property-evaluation/
Cost and Timeline Expectations
Permit fees vary based on project scope, utility needs, and any site improvements required. Battle Ground reviews typically take four to twelve weeks depending on staff workload.
Wolf’s modular construction dramatically shortens your on-site timeline. While the home is being built in a climate-controlled factory, we complete sitework and utilities. Many ADUs are fully installed and ready for move in far faster than traditional construction.
Why Wolf Industries Is the Leading ADU Builder in Battle Ground
Homeowners across Battle Ground choose Wolf Industries because:
- We have built more ADUs in Battle Ground than any other builder
- Our team understands the city’s zoning code and approval process
- We offer true turn-key service from start to finish
- Our modular approach creates a faster, cleaner, and more predictable project
- Every Wolf home is engineered, inspected, delivered, and set with precision
- Our local reputation is built on 5-start service and proven results
If you want your project to move smoothly, efficiently, and with the confidence of real local experience, Wolf Industries is the clear choice.
Get Started With a Free Property Evaluation
Before you invest time or money into an ADU, find out exactly what your property can support. Wolf’s free property evaluation gives you a site-specific analysis of setbacks, access, utilities, zoning, and placement options.
Start here and receive your evaluation directly from the Wolf team:
https://wolfind.com/contact/property-evaluation/
Your ADU begins with clarity. Your builder should start with accuracy. Wolf Industries delivers both.
Sources
City of Battle Ground FAQ on ADUs
https://www.cityofbg.org/m/faq?cat=64
City of Battle Ground ADU Design and Appearance Standards
https://www.cityofbg.org/m/faq?cat=64#:~:text=Design%20and%20Appearance.,additional%20off%2Dstreet%20parking%20space.
Battle Ground Municipal Code 17.135 Accessory Dwelling Units
https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/BattleGround/html/BattleGround17/BattleGround17135.html#17.135.010