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Board directs staff to research accessory dwelling unit rules and potential LDR/comp plan revisions
Summary
Martin County commissioners unanimously directed staff to research and return with proposed revisions to the comprehensive plan and land development regulations to enable accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and consider related housing‑definition changes as part of incremental affordable housing efforts.
The Martin County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to direct staff to research accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules and propose revisions to the county comprehensive growth management plan and the Land Development Regulations to support affordable housing options.
Community development staff chief George Stokas (on record) said staff requests direction to begin research on ADUs and on refining the county’s definition of “family” in the zoning code, and to return with proposed revisions at a later meeting. Stokas said staff also intends to continue work related to the Banner Lake/community land trust discussion and will bring that back separately.
Commissioners framed the action as a pragmatic, incremental step toward addressing affordability: enabling small additional units on private property, clarifying guest‑house rules (which today often restrict renting), and simplifying land‑use language to make modest housing options easier for homeowners and nonprofits to pursue. Commissioner comments emphasized local tailoring of any changes rather than being preempted by state mandates.
Commissioner Capps asked staff to refresh the board later on statutory obligations and comprehensive plan provisions related to adequate housing. Commissioners supported a step‑by‑step approach to enable attainable housing options such as ADUs, while preserving standards for setbacks, parking and environmental protections.
A motion directing staff to research and propose LDR and comp‑plan revisions related to ADUs passed unanimously.
