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Olivette staff outline accessory-structure revisions; planners to add standards for solar panels, generators and short-term rentals
Summary
Planning staff presented a draft overhaul of accessory-structure and accessory-use regulations—covering solar panels, generators, air-conditioning compressors, accessory dwelling units and short-term rentals—and commissioners discussed definitions, placement and height limits; staff will revise language and return it for formal review.
Planning staff in Olivette used the March 6 informal meeting to preview a broader overhaul of accessory-structure and accessory-use language in the zoning code, including proposed written standards for solar panels, generators, compressors and guidance on short-term rentals and accessory dwelling units.
What staff presented
Carlos (planning staff) said the effort is intended to update formatting and add specific written requirements where the city now has only informal criteria. The placeholders in the draft would explicitly address rooftop versus yard placement of solar arrays, clarify acceptable locations for generators and air-conditioning compressors, and set parameters for accessory structures' heights and coverage. Staff emphasized the current draft is cut-and-paste placeholder language pending a fuller rewrite and legal review.
Short-term rentals and ADUs
Staff said accessory uses under review include short-term rentals and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The language would treat short-term rentals as a subset of accessory uses (rather than naming platform brands) and clarify the difference between longer-term seasonal rentals and transient arrangements such as Airbnb or VRBO. Commissioners asked staff to craft definitions that avoid platform-specific language and to identify when an accessory use should come before the commission for review.
Public concerns and other items
Participants raised several issues: one commissioner suggested limiting the height of accessory structures to avoid creating two-story buildings in rear yards that could set a precedent; another asked that the draft include clear definitions of "yard area" and "setback area." Staff also noted the city will need to consider stormwater and coverage implications tied to accessory structures. Several speakers urged caution on front-yard solar placement, and staff said rooftop solar would remain allowed but front-yard installations are not being proposed.
Next steps
Staff said the accessory-structure chapter will be overhauled and returned to the commission for more detailed review; commissioners and staff agreed to gather suggested edits and legal review before any formal vote. No formal action was taken March 6 because the commission lacked a quorum.
