City Council plans increased ADU sizes to address housing and permit challenges

The Planning Commission Meeting for Hooper City, held on July 10, 2025, focused on several key issues regarding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and parking regulations. The meeting began with discussions on the need to limit the number of ADUs to one per parcel, addressing concerns about homeowners with multiple parcels. The commission emphasized the importance of incentivizing homeowners to utilize their properties effectively, particularly in relation to moderate income housing reporting.

A significant topic of discussion was the proposed increase in the size of oversized structures for ADUs. The commission considered raising the maximum size from 960 square feet to 1,500 square feet for certain zoning categories. This change aims to facilitate housing opportunities for residents and meet state housing progress requirements. The commission agreed to draft a proposal for the next meeting to formalize these changes.

Parking regulations were also a major concern. The commission acknowledged the potential challenges of parking availability, especially with multiple residents living on a single property. They discussed the possibility of requiring dedicated parking spaces for ADUs, which would be verified through conditional use permits. However, there was a cautionary note regarding recent state initiatives that may reduce parking requirements for ADUs, which could impact the city’s compliance with moderate income housing goals.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for careful consideration of parking regulations while moving forward with the proposed changes to ADU sizes. The commission plans to present their recommendations to the city council, who will have the final say on any amendments. The next steps include drafting the proposed changes for further review and ensuring that all necessary regulations are clearly communicated to property owners applying for ADUs.