Commission reviews ADU regulations and postpones Love's Bridal Stop proposal

The San Juan County Planning Commission meeting on July 10, 2025, was marked by a heated discussion on the regulations surrounding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and manufactured homes. The commission grappled with the complexities of allowing multiple residences on larger lots, raising concerns about potential overdevelopment and its impact on local infrastructure.

Commission members debated the current ordinance, which permits only one manufactured home per designated lot. Some argued that property owners with larger parcels should be allowed to build more than one ADU, provided they meet certain criteria. "If you have 10 acres, you should be allowed to put up multiple buildings," one member stated, emphasizing the need for flexibility in zoning laws. However, others cautioned that this could lead to a significant increase in housing density, potentially overwhelming local resources and changing the character of neighborhoods.

The conversation also touched on the need for clear checkpoints to ensure that developments meet minimum standards for water and sewer services. "We need to ensure that people have met some minimums," a commissioner remarked, highlighting the importance of maintaining infrastructure as development progresses.

As the meeting progressed, members acknowledged the lengthy agenda and the need to prioritize discussions. They decided to postpone certain items, including a reconsideration of a proposed mixed-use development along Highway 191, to ensure thorough deliberation on critical issues.

The commission's ongoing discussions reflect a balancing act between accommodating growth and preserving the community's character, a challenge that will continue to shape San Juan County's planning efforts in the future.