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Corinne commission debates ADU overlay language, delays action to revise draft
Summary
Commissioners heard industry and realtor perspectives on a draft accessory dwelling unit (ADU) overlay. Concerns focused on whether detached ADUs should be allowed, inconsistent lot-size language, basements and water table issues; staff will return revised language to the engineer and place the item on the next agenda.
The Corinne Planning and Zoning Commission discussed a proposed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) overlay and an accompanying set of ordinance changes but took no final action, instead directing staff to return a revised draft to the city engineer and to place the item on the commission’s next agenda.
Commission members said the draft ordinance appears to include amendments to the city code to align with a state law enacted in 2022 that expanded ADU allowances. Commissioners and several industry commenters discussed how the draft handles detached ADUs, lot-size minimums, basements and setbacks.
Brandy, a local realtor who addressed the panel at the commission’s request, said ADUs can create housing opportunities for family members and help affordability. Brandy told the commission, “ADUs are genius because they're allowing retired families to build on one spot,” and described scenarios in which homeowners use ADUs for aging relatives or to generate rental income that helps a family member qualify for a mortgage.
An unnamed contractor who spoke to the commission said his firm had built multiple ADUs in the region this year and that most were used as rental units. He said, “We've done, we've done, eight ADUs this year, and all of them permitted,” and added that seven of those were rented to tenants such as college students in nearby markets.
Commissioners and commenters flagged several technical inconsistencies in the draft: one section appears to bar detached ADUs while other provisions allow separate units; the draft lists a 6,000-square-foot minimum lot size in one passage but elsewhere refers to a quarter-acre minimum or dimensions that equal 9,900 square feet. Commissioners also raised practical concerns about basements in parts of the city with high water tables and asked the engineer to clarify why the draft prohibits basements in ADUs.
The commission agreed it needs clearer definitions and consistent lot-size and setback language. No ordinance changes were adopted at the meeting. Commissioners asked staff to send the draft back to the engineering group for clarification and to place the revised draft on the commission's next agenda for further review. The item will be scheduled and returned to the commission for follow-up.
Key points from the discussion
- The draft appeared to be written to align certain provisions with the 2022 state law expanding ADU allowances. - One clause in the draft reads, “no detached ADU shall be permitted,” which commissioners said would exclude tiny homes and other detached secondary structures unless changed. - Conflicting lot-size references were noted: a 6,000-square-foot value appears in the draft, while commissioners discussed a quarter-acre minimum and a 75-by-132-foot parcel (9,900 square feet) as the practical standard in parts of town. - Commissioners directed staff to return the ordinance draft to the engineer for clarification and to place the item on the next agenda.
