Monroe planners review state-mandated ADU code changes; public urges allowing ADUs in mixed‑use areas

Planning staff presented draft amendments to Monroe’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules Monday as they work to meet state requirements under House Bill 13 37, and one resident urged the commission to also allow ADUs in mixed‑use neighborhoods.

The proposed amendments, presented by Amy (planning staff), would bring Monroe’s code into alignment with the state law, staff said. "House Bill 13 37 passed, and it requires jurisdictions to adopt new ADU regulations by 6 months after the adoption of their comp plan," Amy told commissioners, noting the city’s June 30 deadline.

The staff proposal would allow up to two ADUs per lot in single‑family zones (attached, detached, or both), remove the city’s owner‑occupancy covenant and affidavit requirements, and move ADU decisions from a Type 2 land‑use review to an administrative Type 1 decision to speed permitting. Staff recommended keeping one additional off‑street parking stall per ADU in Monroe because the city has no transit stops that meet the state definition of a "major transit stop."

Nut graf: The changes are largely driven by state law…