Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sherburne County approves accessory dwelling unit amendment; adds relative-homestead option and clarifies 1,000-square-foot footprint limit
Summary
Sherburne County approved changes to its zoning ordinance to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs), adding explicit allowance for relative-homestead properties and fixing the maximum detached unit footprint at 1,000 square feet.
Sherburne County commissioners approved an amendment to the county zoning ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) with clarified eligibility and size limits.
Planning and zoning staff presented the recommended language; commissioners debated specific items including whether relative-homestead properties (properties used to house relatives through the relative-homestead program) should be explicitly allowed and how to measure size limits for detached units on platted lots. Planning staff clarified the ordinance measures the ADU size by footprint and that a two-story ADU could be permissible so long as the main-level footprint does not exceed the limit.
Commissioner Schumacher proposed explicitly adding "relative homestead" status to eligibility language so that family-owned properties used as relative homesteads could place ADUs; commissioners accepted that change. The board also clarified that the 1,000-square-foot limit applies to footprint on the main level rather than total finished square footage across multiple stories.
The board amended the Planning Commission recommendation to add relative-homestead language and clarify that the maximum size limit refers to the footprint on platted lots (1,000 square feet). That amended motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Supporters characterized the ordinance as a tool to help aging residents stay in place and to increase housing options, and several commissioners noted the change had been under development for multiple years.
Ending: The ordinance amendment will be transmitted to staff for incorporation into the county zoning code; enforcement and implementation details will be handled by Planning & Zoning.
