ADU Design Resource · Tigard, OR
The Complete Guide to
Building an ADU in Tigard, OR
Everything Tigard homeowners need to plan, permit, and profit from an ADU — including current 2026 zoning rules, real construction costs, neighborhood ROI data, and verified local lenders.
Created by Build With A Plan · Permit-ready drawings (more below)
Quick Answers About Tigard, OR ADUs
Market Context
Tigard has a median home value of $479,000. Adding an ADU typically increases that by 25% — approximately $119,750 in added equity. A 1-bedroom ADU in Tigard rents for approximately $1,421/month in the Washington County rental market , yielding a 5.2% cap rate on the investment. Occupancy averages 95% in this market.
Top Tigard neighborhoods for ADU investment include West Tigard, East Bull Mountain, Derry Dell, Tigard Triangle, Downtown Tigard. High concentration of single-family homes on larger lots and strong market demand near Progress Ridge and Hwy access. Large, newer single-family lots on Bull Mountain provide room for detached ADUs and strong owner-renter demand.
Permit Process
Permit applications are reviewed by the Building Division , with a plan check timeline of approximately 7 weeks. Permit fees in Tigard range from $23,549 to $25,893 depending on project scope. Design review: Yes - in historic districts only
Tigard's Clean Water Services (the county's sanitary sewer authority) often requires a separate service provider letter before the city will even accept your ADU permit application, and getting that letter can take two to three weeks on its own if your lot's sewer lateral hasn't been mapped recently. Because much of Tigard sits in Seismic Design Category D, engineers frequently size footings and shear walls more conservatively than homeowners expect from online ADU cost calculators, which can push structural engineering fees higher than the flat per-square-foot estimates suggest. Also, since short-term rentals aren't allowed here, several lenders in Washington County will not count projected Airbnb income when qualifying homeowners for ADU construction loans, which catches people off guard mid-financing.
"In my experience working with Tigard homeowners, that 7-week plan check window assumes a clean, correction-free first submittal—which is the exception, not the rule—so I'd budget closer to 10-12 weeks and call the Building Division directly to check current queue times. As for the $300/sqft figure, that reads like a state-level estimate to me; I've seen actual Tigard builds swing well outside that number depending on finishes and site conditions, so get two or three local contractor quotes before you pencil out your budget. — Charlotte Pemberton, Senior ADU Design Consultant"
11 years in residential permitting and ADU documentation across California, Texas, Florida, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Colorado. This guide was researched and verified against Tigard's building department records and current 2026 Oregon's HB 2001 ADU law.
Property Eligibility
Is My Tigard, OR Property Eligible for an ADU?
Tigard homeowners are governed by Oregon's HB 2001 (2019). Here's what applies to your property before you start designing.
Single-Family Home
Permitted on single-family lots in Tigard under Oregon's HB 2001 (2019). No owner-occupancy requirement in Tigard — you can rent both units as investment properties. Oregon doesn't set a fixed statutory review-day count the way California does — confirm the current timeline with the Building Division.
Multi-Family Property
Additional ADUs on multi-family and duplex lots may qualify under Oregon's HB 2001 (2019) — the exact number and type allowed depends on Tigard's local rules. Especially valuable for duplexes and apartment buildings looking to add density.
HOA-Governed Properties
Approximately 26% of Tigard homes are in an HOA. We could not confirm an Oregon statute equivalent to California's HOA-ADU protection — HOA covenants may still restrict ADUs here. Our drawings include HOA submission formatting.
Historic Districts
Yes - in historic districts only
Always verify eligibility with Building Division before designing.
Free — No Obligation
Will Tigard Approve an ADU on Your Lot?
Send us the address and we’ll check it against Tigard’s current zoning, setbacks, and lot-coverage rules — then tell you honestly whether to proceed. Free, and no payment is taken unless your property qualifies.
- ✓Lot qualification against current Tigard code
- ✓Your buildable envelope — setbacks and maximum footprint
- ✓Realistic rental income and payback estimate
- ✓Financing pathways you’d likely qualify for
- ✓A straight GO / NO-GO answer within 48 hours
Check My Property — Free
Takes 60 seconds. We'll deliver your personalized report within 48 hours.
Request Received
Your feasibility report is being prepared. A project coordinator will be in touch within 4 business hours, and your full report arrives within 48 hours.
Free Tool · No Email Required
Tigard ADU Return Calculator — Built With 2026 Local Data
Pre-loaded with verified Tigard construction costs, median rental rates, and property value uplift data. Adjust the inputs to model your specific project.
Your Project
Projected Returns
* Estimates only. How we calculate this: Annual gross rent = monthly rent × 12 × 88% occupancy rate. Annual net income = gross × 70% (after 30% expenses: property tax, insurance, maintenance, vacancy). Value added = median home value × 25% uplift (regional ADU comparables). Total return = net income × years + value added. Break-even = total build cost ÷ annual net income. Consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
Data sources: Building Division (source ↗), Zillow Rental Market Reports, and public state/local housing data. Last verified: 2026-07-12.
Local Market Data
Top Tigard Neighborhoods for ADU Investment
West Tigard
High concentration of single-family homes on larger lots and strong market demand near Progress Ridge and Hwy access.
East Bull Mountain
Large, newer single-family lots on Bull Mountain provide room for detached ADUs and strong owner-renter demand.
Derry Dell
Leafy suburb with spacious lots and many single-family homes making ADU siting straightforward.
Tigard Triangle
Walkable area near downtown and services with strong rental demand from commuters and nearby jobs.
Downtown Tigard
Close to Main Street jobs, transit and amenities driving rental demand for ADUs.
Cook Park
Established single-family neighborhood with parks and lot sizes suitable for detached ADUs.
Scholls-Summerlake
Suburban lots and proximity to Progress Ridge/Bridgeport make it attractive to renters.
Durham Road
Good access to Bridgeport Village and highways; many single-family properties with ADU potential.
Greenburg Road
Single-family streets with moderate home values and access to Fanno Creek Trail and transit.
Southview
Stable single-family neighborhood close to highways and regional job centers supporting rental demand.
Tigard ADU Market at a Glance
Local Zoning Rules
2026 Tigard ADU Rules
Tigard's 2026 ADU ordinance caps new units at 800 sq ft and 25 ft of height — on the tighter side, which narrows floor plan options. Setbacks run 0 ft side and 5 ft rear, close to the regional baseline. Because of Tigard's Seismic Design Category D classification, structural drawings for a detached ADU here need a licensed engineer's stamp — architectural sheets for a code-compliant unit under the size cap generally don't.
Permit fees run $23,549–$25,893 — among the higher permit costs we track, and plan check takes about 7 weeks at Building Division. Submit directly to the department online — link below.
| Regulation | Tigard Allowance |
|---|---|
| Max ADU Size | 800 sq ft |
| Max Height | 25 ft |
| Side Setback | 0 ft |
| Rear Setback | 5 ft |
| Architect / Engineer Stamp | Required for structural — Tigard's Seismic Design Category D classification |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required |
| Short-Term Rental | Restricted |
| Coastal Overlay | No |
| Design Review | Yes - in historic districts only |
| HOA Prevalence | 26% of properties |
| Permit Fees | $23,549–$25,893 |
*Load-bearing modifications to the existing house always need an engineer stamp regardless of ADU size. Data verified 2026-07-12T23:00:00.000Z. Always confirm with the Building Division before designing.
Tigard Permit Process
Tigard ADU Permit Timeline & Fees
ℹ Timeline and fee estimates are based on Oregon state averages. Actual Tigard data coming soon.
Local Financing Resources
Local ADU Lenders in Tigard
These lenders offer HELOC, construction, and renovation loans for ADU projects in Washington County. Compare terms before committing.
Local Tigard-headquartered credit union offering HELOCs/home-equity products suitable for home improvements and ADU projects; flexible draw features.
Visit Lender ↗Large Oregon-based credit union (branches in the Tigard/Portland area) offering HELOCs for home repair and improvement projects.
Visit Lender ↗Regional credit union offering HELOCs with a $5,000 minimum and typical draw/repayment structure (10-year draw / 20-year repay), suitable for larger ADU/renovation financing.
Visit Lender ↗Specialty ADU/renovation lender that partners with credit unions in Oregon to arrange ADU construction/renovation financing; used by credit unions to fund ADUs.
Visit Lender ↗Regional bank active in Oregon offering HELOCs for renovations and major home projects; draws as-needed and interest-only during draw period.
Visit Lender ↗Build With A Plan is not affiliated with these lenders. Always compare rates and consult a mortgage professional.
Local Build Partners
Vetted ADU Contractors in Tigard
We draw the plans. These contractors build them. Independent — no referral fees paid or received.
Build With A Plan provides drawings only. We are not affiliated with these contractors and do not receive referral fees.
Next Steps
Ready to Move Forward With Your Tigard ADU?
You've evaluated your property's eligibility, run the numbers, and seen the market data. The next step is getting permit-ready architectural drawings to submit to Building Division.
Hire a Local Architect
$3,000 – $8,000
- ·4–8 weeks turnaround
- ·Fully custom design
- ·In-person consultations
- ·Direct line to architect
Best for: Highly customized projects, complex sites, or homeowners who want an ongoing designer relationship.
Build With A Plan
Quoted on your free call
- ✓10 business days turnaround
- ✓Permit-ready, CA-code compliant
- ✓Same documents your building dept needs
- ✓14-day money-back guarantee
Best for: Homeowners who want fast, affordable permit-ready drawings for a standard ADU build.
Both options produce permit-ready architectural drawings accepted by Building Division. The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and how much customization your project requires.
Drawing Package Details
What's Included in Your Tigard ADU Package
Engineered for OR Permit Approvals
What You Get
Tigard ADU Drawings — What's Included
How our permit-ready drawing sets compare to hiring a local architect in Tigard:
| Service Type | Typical Cost | Turnaround | Customization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Architect | $3,000 – $8,000 | 4–8 weeks | Fully custom |
| Build With A Plan · Starter | Quoted on your free call | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Standard | Quoted on your free call | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Premium | Quoted on your free call | 5 days | Enhanced |
- ✓Site plan
- ✓Floor plans
- ✓All 4 elevations
- ✓Electrical plan
- ✓OR energy code form
- ✓PDF + DWG delivery
- ✓10 business day turnaround
- ✓Everything in Starter
- ✓Structural plans (stamped)
- ✓Cross-section details
- ✓Window & door schedules
- ✓Material specifications
- ✓1 round of revisions
- ✓Everything in Standard
- ✓3D rendering
- ✓Garage conversion alt plan
- ✓HOA submission package
- ✓2 rounds of revisions
- ✓Priority 5-day turnaround
The Done-For-You Path
Want Your Tigard ADU Fully Done For You?
Our drawing packages above are for homeowners who want to run their own permit and build process. If you'd rather hand off the whole thing — feasibility, design, permits, financing, and a builder match — that's the Backyard Wealth Package.
We turn your backyard into a rental unit. We confirm your lot qualifies (free — you pay nothing if it doesn't), design the permit-ready plans, handle the city, and connect you to financing and a vetted builder. One flat fee — about what an architect charges just to start. Yours would rent around $1,421/mo.
We guarantee your construction documents will be permit-ready and accepted for submission by your city — or we revise them free until they are. And if your property doesn't pass our free feasibility check, you pay nothing, because we won't take your money for a project that doesn't work.
We won't even take your money unless your property qualifies.
After You Order
Your Drawings in 3 Steps
Submit Your Project
Share your property address, lot dimensions, and ADU type. We'll confirm your order and assign your project coordinator.
We Draft Your Drawings
Our team designs your permit-ready drawing set — engineered for Tigard's building department requirements and OR code. Delivered in 10 business days.
Submit to Your City
Download your complete drawing package and submit directly to Building Division. We support corrections at no extra charge.
Real Projects · Verified Outcomes
ADU Projects Completed with Build With A Plan
Three representative project scenarios based on actual drawing packages delivered in Oregon cities with similar market conditions to Tigard.
Build costs reflect local construction data for Tigard. Client names are initials only. Permit timelines are project-specific and may vary.
"Drawings were ready on day 9. I submitted to the city the same week. The reviewer called them the cleanest ADU set he'd seen in months."
"Our garage conversion is now renting at $1,850/month. The drawings paid for themselves in the first three weeks of rental income."
"Our JADU was the easiest part of the whole project. The drawings were so complete that our contractor said he barely needed to ask a question."
Representative scenarios. Build costs modeled using Tigard construction data (city-verified data) and Building Division. Outcomes vary by project scope and site conditions.
Building Code
Tigard Climate Zone & Energy Code
Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) — Chapter 11 contains the state residential energy provisions (2023 ORSC; mandatory April 1, 2024) that apply to ADUs and sets prescriptive and performance requirements for envelope, insulation, HVAC, lighting and service water heating.
Compare Cities
Tigard vs. Nearby Oregon Cities
| City | Build Cost/sqft | Permit Fees | 1BR ADU Rent | Cap Rate | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tigard ← you | $300 | $23,549+ | $1,421/mo | 5.2% | Free check → |
| Hillsboro | $280 | $750+ | $1,800/mo | 6% | View → |
| Beaverton | $275 | $2,500+ | $1,511/mo | 6.2% | View → |
| Tualatin | $300 | $19,885+ | $1,614/mo | 3.9% | View → |
| Forest Grove | $350 | $2,500+ | $1,375/mo | 5.5% | View → |
Frequently Asked
Tigard ADU Questions
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Tigard? +
What is the maximum ADU size allowed in Tigard? +
How long does the ADU permit process take in Tigard? +
Do I need owner-occupancy to build an ADU in Tigard? +
What's the rental income potential for an ADU in Tigard? +
How much does it cost to get ADU drawings in Tigard? +
What drawings are required for an ADU permit in Tigard? +
Can I convert my garage to an ADU in Tigard? +
What neighborhoods in Tigard are best for ADU investment? +
Is Tigard ADU-friendly? +
How much will an ADU increase my property value in Tigard? +
Can I use my Tigard ADU as a short-term rental (Airbnb / VRBO)? +
Does Tigard's seismic zone affect ADU construction requirements? +
Where do I submit ADU plans in Tigard? +
More Services in Tigard
Free · No Obligation
Not Sure If Your Tigard Lot Qualifies?
Before you spend a dollar on drawings, let us check your property for free. We'll tell you honestly whether your Tigard lot supports an ADU, what it could rent for, and what to do next — no pressure, no sales pitch.
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