The Milton Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend city council adopt the draft 2025 annual zoning code updates, including several clarifying edits to definitions, use tables and sign rules. The public hearing for the zoning code annual update (PLN 202500006) was opened and closed with no public speakers.

Staff told the commission the amendments are primarily clarifications and housekeeping items intended to align the zoning code with the recent comp plan edits. On accessory dwelling units (ADUs) staff said the intent is to require ADUs to be permanent structures and to meet building-code standards. In the staff presentation the planner said an ADU should “meet[] all of the codes of a permanent structure, including a permanent foundation.” Commissioner Johnson asked whether tiny homes could qualify; staff said a tiny home could qualify if it is permanently sited, connected and permitted (for instance, permitted as a manufactured home under state LNI rules) and meets the applicable codes.

On signage staff recommended clarifying the temporary-sign rules for signs in the public right of way. The planner explained the code requires temporary signage on private property to be 100 feet apart when signs provide the same information and said the amendment would add that same 100-foot spacing requirement in the right of way: "it has to be within a 100 feet along the same property line providing the same information." The amendment is intended to limit sign clutter while allowing multiple signs when they convey different information.

Staff also noted a technical correction to the business district use table to explicitly list vehicle repair in the business district where vehicle sales already exist. Commissioners asked whether the business district change affected other town-center or residential map changes; staff replied it would be limited to the business corridor described in the packet.

After discussion Commissioner [not specified in transcript] moved "to recommend to the city council the draft 2025 annual update to the zoning code as presented and discussed with the revision of adding including a permanent foundation." The motion passed unanimously.

The recommended changes will be forwarded to city council for final action. Staff recorded the zoning annual update as PLN 202500006 and said the code-language revisions will be incorporated into the municipal code and posted once council action is complete.