Harvey County planning staff launches accessory‑dwelling survey ahead of zoning review

Karen with Harvey County Planning and Zoning told the commissioners on Aug. 12 that the department will publish a public survey this week asking residents for input on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as part of a broader rewrite of local regulations. The survey, Karen said, is a first step in gathering feedback about small, secondary homes — for example, modular one‑bedroom units for aging parents or adult children — and will run through Sept. 19 so staff can present results to the Planning Commission at its October meeting. The survey will request names and addresses so the planning commission can confirm land ownership and compile basic demographics, though Karen said anyone with an interest in Harvey County may participate. Karen noted the commission will need to address technical matters such as whether RVs or mobile homes qualify as ADUs, minimum acreage thresholds, plumbing and hard‑wired utilities, shared versus separate wastewater systems, and the effect on lagoons and water availability. Commissioners asked for clarification that the survey will not match zoning changes and were told the outreach is an initial step to inform later regulatory drafting and discussion before any changes are adopted.