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Florence advances changes to Unified Development Ordinance to permit accessory dwelling units
Summary
Council approved introduction of an ordinance to amend the Unified Development Ordinance to allow attached and detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in most residential districts and a commercial reuse district, with conditions including owner-occupancy, size limits and parking requirements.
The Florence City Council advanced a proposed amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in most residential zoning districts and in the commercial reuse (C‑R) district as a conditional use. Staff presented the changes in a first-reading/introduction item and council approved moving the ordinance forward.
Under the proposal staff described, the city would permit both attached (integrated) and detached ADUs with conditions intended to limit impacts on neighborhoods. Key provisions discussed by staff include:
- Owner-occupancy: the property owner must be the owner of record and maintain the property as their primary residence (voter registration/driver’s license/tax rolls were cited as tests of primary residence). - Unit limits and size: one ADU per site; a detached ADU limited to 50% of the principal building footprint or 800 square feet, whichever is less; attached ADUs limited to 30–35% of floor area up to 800 square feet; ADU height may not exceed the principal building. - Yards, setbacks and utilities: detached units must be at least 10 feet from the primary residence; units must follow district setback rules and have combined utilities/addressing with the principal dwelling. - Occupancy and use limits: ADUs cannot be short-term rentals (Airbnb) or used solely for a home occupation; they must meet building-permit, rental‑registry and business-license requirements. - Parking: one additional improved parking space is required in addition to the site’s required parking (e.g., a typical single-family lot required two spaces; an ADU would require a third space on-site).
Staff noted the policy is intended to restore a form of housing that existed historically in some Florence neighborhoods (for example, apartments above garages or auxiliary detached units) and to expand modest rental options for students, newly employed residents and older residents seeking supplemental income. Council members who spoke supported the change as a measured approach; one member called it a conservative policy because of the owner-occupancy requirement and other limits.
The ordinance introduces standards on ADU size, placement, utilities, parking and permitted districts. Council voted to move the ordinance forward at its introductory stage; additional public hearings and planning commission review were referenced in staff comments.
