The Grand Junction City Council voted 6‑0 on June 18 to adopt a package of Zoning and Development Code amendments that clarify process language, correct inconsistent references and bring local accessory dwelling unit rules into compliance with state law.

Nikki Galehouse, planning manager, explained the amendments address multiple housekeeping and interpretive issues that arose after the 2023 comprehensive rewrite of the code. Revisions include: removing a misleading site‑plan reference from transitional provisions; resolving conflicting public‑notice tables so minor site plans are not required to send mailed and signed notices; clarifying minor subdivision limits (a property may not create more than three additional lots in a 10‑year period, yielding a maximum of four lots); and removing an outdated reference to county zoning density for annexations.

Galehouse said the changes also implement compliance with House Bill 24‑1152 concerning accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Under the state law, local ordinances cannot be more restrictive than the state’s ADU rules; the city will allow ADUs to use side setbacks for principal structures where applicable and removed the prior requirement for an additional off‑street parking space for ADUs. Planning Commission recommended removing local ADU design standards entirely rather than replacing them with objective standards, to reduce barriers to ADU construction.

Other amendments clarified bicycle parking footprints, adjusted right‑of‑way landscaping language, and made changes to minimum access and deferral policies used for street‑improvement requirements. The ordinance was recommended 6‑0 by the Planning Commission with four modifications; council adopted ordinance No. 5263 on final passage 6‑0.

Galehouse said the amendments are intended to increase clarity and ease administration of the zoning code while remaining consistent with the comprehensive plan; the removal of discretionary design standards for ADUs follows the state requirement that design controls must be objective if imposed at all.

The commission and staff will follow up on a separate review of bulk storage and related code language at a future workshop, per the Planning Commission’s recommendation.