Council approves variance to permit ADU on parcel slightly below lot-size ratio

The council approved a variance to allow a homeowner to use the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rule on a combined parcel where the lot-size ratio is 0.74, short of the 0.75 required by the code.

The decision lets the property owner convert the existing house to an ADU and designate a new primary dwelling on the combined parcel, subject to usual setback and septic requirements. Council members said staff would sign and record the single-parcel plat and issue a letter confirming the variance.

Why it matters: The variance removes a technical barrier the owner said was preventing progress on a planned new primary residence and an ADU arrangement. The council’s action formalizes an exception to the lot-size ratio in order to allow the property to be platted and building permits pursued.

At the meeting a homeowner (identifying the project as a “Fielding” home) told the council that county health staff had reviewed septic locations and approved the siting, and that lot lines had been redrawn to address health-department concerns. The homeowner said the ADU code requires a lot-size ratio of 0.75 but their combined lot would be 0.74 and that the existing house could be designated the ADU while a new roughly 5,500-square-foot primary house would meet the ADU-size relationship (the ADU must be no more than 40% of the main home under code). The homeowner said a new septic could be installed if necessary.

A council member moved and another seconded the variance motion. After the motion was seconded, the chair called for the question and members said “aye.” The council member who will prepare paperwork said staff and a council signatory would record the parcel and that the homeowner would receive an emailed letter containing the variance.

The council did not state a roll-call vote or list individual yes/no votes on the record; the motion was carried by voice vote.

The council and the homeowner discussed follow-up steps: platting the combined parcel, recording the plat with the county, confirming driveway and setback locations, and providing the health-department approval that the homeowner said had already been obtained. Staff told the homeowner to provide plat and septic documentation when they were ready; the council indicated it could sign and record the paperwork once submitted.

The council did not change the ADU ordinance itself and did not require any additional hearings; the approval was an individual variance for the described lot and circumstances.

The homeowner thanked the council and said they may not build immediately but wanted to avoid further delay.