Commission forwards amendment to allow open accessory structures next to homes with limits and building‑code conditions

The Cottonwood Heights Planning Commission on Oct. 1 forwarded to the City Council a staff‑initiated zoning text amendment (ZTA 25‑003) that would change how the city treats open accessory structures—defined as roofed outdoor features such as gazebos, pergolas and trellises that do not have walls—by exempting them from the current six‑foot separation requirement between buildings, while retaining a minimum five‑foot setback from property lines and requiring compliance with building and fire codes.

Commissioner Steinman made the motion, and a friendly amendment requiring explicit reference to building‑ and fire‑code requirements for any use of electricity, gas or plumbing was accepted and incorporated into the motion. The motion passed on recorded voice votes: Commissioners Mills, Shelton, Smith, Simon and Anderson voted…