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Planning panel recommends allowing internal ADUs in attached single-family homes
Summary
A Springville planning panel voted to recommend an amendment to the city's zoning code to permit internal accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family attached dwellings; the panel deferred consideration of detached ADUs and confirmed parking and owner-occupancy requirements would remain in place.
SPRINGVILLE — The Springville Planning Commission on an unaniminous voice recommendation voted to forward an amendment to the city council that would allow internal accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family attached dwellings such as twin homes and townhomes.
City planning staff presented the proposal to modify “Title 11, Chapter 6, Article 134 — Accessory Dwelling Units” to let internal ADUs be established inside attached single-family homes while keeping the existing rule that one of the units must be owner-occupied. “We are proposing that we allow internal accessory dwelling units in attached single family homes,” a staff member identified in the meeting as Staff member (Community Development) said during the presentation.
The commission’s recommendation does not change the existing parking requirement for ADUs. The staff member noted that the code requires at least one additional on-site parking space for an ADU beyond the parking required for the primary dwelling. “If they can’t meet that requirement, then they will not be allowed to have an ADU,” the staff member said. The amendment would not allow on-street parking to satisfy the requirement.
Commission discussion focused on several technical and practical points: the panel deferred consideration of detached ADUs in attached-home zones because lots for twin homes and similar products tend to be smaller and might not meet lot-size requirements; staff said detached ADUs could create lot-coverage and separation issues in those contexts. Staff reported the city has issued 54 ADU certificates since 2020, most associated with new construction rather than retrofits.
Commission members asked about potential conflicts with homeowners associations. The staff member said she believed state law limits an HOA’s ability to prohibit ADUs where zoning allows them but said she would double-check the legal language. The panel also noted the city’s existing occupancy limit that prevents more than four unrelated people living in any dwelling would continue to apply to ADUs.
A motion to recommend adoption of the proposed amendment was moved by Member (Speaker 2) and seconded by Member (Speaker 4). The motion passed on a voice vote and will be transmitted to the city council for consideration.
No members of the public spoke during the public hearing; the commission opened and closed the hearing without testimony. The planning staff and commissioners said they expect modest uptake of ADUs in attached homes, noting some builders are already designing units with basement apartments completed or “walkout” basements ready for conversion.
The amendment keeps existing owner-occupancy and parking conditions, allows internal ADUs in attached single-family dwellings, defers detached ADUs in those contexts, and will proceed to the Springville City Council for final action.
