Council opens public hearing on ADUs, sends draft policy questions to land use committee after public concerns

Castle Dale — City leaders opened a public hearing Thursday to gather feedback on proposed rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and related utility and land‑use questions, then referred the item to the land use committee for ordinance drafting.

Council members said the hearing’s purpose was to collect public comment and pass concerns to the planning and zoning committee so staff can draft an ordinance. Several residents used the hearing to object to proposed fees they said would discourage ADUs, arguing the city had been told by the state to allow ADUs and that extra utility fees amount to double charging for a single hookup.

One commenter questioned the basis for additional charges, asking for “black and white proof” that two additional residents in a house would stress infrastructure enough to justify a second fee. Council members and staff clarified that the draft before the council did not require a second physical connection, that the city’s approach was intended to account for unit counts administratively, and that the item will be further developed by the land use committee.

Councilmember Carrie (last name not specified) and others said ADUs are encouraged and that the land use committee is the appropriate venue for developing ordinance language. The council closed the public hearing and confirmed the item will return as a drafted ordinance after work by the land use committee.