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Phase 2 · Design · Step 2.2

Schematic design + zoning compliance review

Your designer produces 2-3 schematic options that meet Title 33.205, fit on the surveyed lot, and respect setbacks, height, and tree zones. You pick one.

Who
Designer, Architect
How long
3-5 weeks
Cost
Included in designer fee
You end up with
Selected scheme + dimensioned site plan

What you get from schematic design

  • 2-3 plan options on the surveyed lot
  • Each option dimensioned and checked against Title 33.205 (size, height, setbacks, lot coverage)
  • Roof form and orientation
  • Key elevations (front, side, rear)
  • Parking discussion if any — usually moot, since Portland doesn't require off-street parking for ADUs

What you decide here

  • Footprint shape and orientation
  • Single-story vs. story-and-a-half (costs more but uses less footprint)
  • Window placement (privacy from neighbors is a real constraint on small lots)
  • Whether to align the ridge with the primary house
  • Where utilities tie into the existing house

What the designer checks against

  • Size: ≤800 sq ft gross floor area in most R zones (always check the current Title 33.205 — limits have moved over time)
  • Height: typically 20 ft to top plate, 25 ft to roof peak (zone-dependent)
  • Setbacks: 5 ft side and rear typical for accessory structures; front-yard rules vary
  • Lot coverage: primary + accessory total ≤ zone max (usually 40-50%)
  • Tree protection zones from step 0.4

Where this information came from

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