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Shelton commission tables ADU application after staff flags egress noncompliance
Summary
Owners of 395 Shelton Ave. asked for approval of an accessory dwelling unit; commission paused the request after zoning staff said the ADU’s only interior egress is through what is marked as a walk-in closet — not code-compliant egress — and asked the applicant to work with an architect and resubmit.
The Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission on Oct. 8 voted 6-0 to table an application for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 395 Shelton Avenue after staff said the ADU’s planned interior egress does not meet zoning and building requirements.
The application, filed under reference BRES-25-608 for Randy and Brandy England, follows an earlier approval that the commission rescinded after staff discovered discrepancies in ownership statements on the permit paperwork. At the Oct. 8 meeting, the commission and staff said the new application includes site plans, a building-permit application, an affidavit of ownership and an authorization letter from the LLC listed on assessor records.
Zoning enforcement staff told the commission that the ADU’s indicated egress from the accessory unit reaches the principal structure “through a walk-in closet,” which staff said does not conform to the city’s egress requirements. Applicant Brandy England told commissioners she had discussed the layout with her architect but that the only shared wall between the two units is along a small hallway area and said she was “open to suggestions to work with an architect.”
Commissioners directed the applicant to submit revised plans showing compliant egress and to coordinate with staff. Commissioner Kelly moved to table the application and Commissioner Christiano seconded; the motion passed by roll call vote, 6-0.
Why it matters: Accessory dwelling units are an increasingly common local housing tool; the commission must ensure any ADU design meets the city's building and zoning egress standards before granting approval.
What’s next: The applicant was instructed to work with an architect and staff to revise the egress and associated plans and to resubmit. The commission did not deny the application; it tabled the item pending corrected plans.
