Fountain council directs staff to draft ADU ordinance after state mandate; agrees on separate meters, 750‑sq‑ft cap

Fountain City planning staff briefed the City Council on April 22 on implementing a new state law that requires municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units, and council members gave staff direction to draft an ordinance that reflects several local limits and utility rules.

Christy Martinez, with the city of Fountain planning department, told the council the state measure “mandates that all municipalities allow accessory dwelling units or ADUs ... and that all needs to be in place by June thirtieth of 2025.” Martinez outlined where ADUs must be allowed, what design and permitting elements the statute prevents cities from imposing, and which elements remain subject to local regulation.

The council’s discussion focused on four practical policy areas: maximum ADU size, height for detached ADUs, utility service and metering, and how ADUs may be used as short‑term rentals. Council members repeatedly stressed public‑safety, utility capacity and neighborhood‑character concerns while asking staff for a draft ordinance that complies with the statute yet is as restrictive as the law allows.

Key decisions and directions

- Size limit: Councilors generally supported staff’s recommendation to cap ADU floor area so that…