Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County planning staff propose accessory‑dwelling rule for Ag district; supervisors consider minimum lot size and size limits
Summary
Planning staff presented a draft text amendment to allow accessory dwelling units in Warren County—s agricultural district, proposing by‑right conversion/attached units and conditional‑use approval for detached units, with size and lot thresholds.
County planning staff presented a draft zoning text amendment to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the agricultural (AG) district, as part of the county—s housing strategy discussed in the comprehensive plan.
What is proposed: under the draft language, an Accessory Dwelling Unit is a subordinate dwelling unit on the same parcel as a principal single‑family dwelling that includes living, cooking and sanitation facilities. The draft would allow ADUs by‑right when they are attached to or located within an existing principal structure; detached ADUs would be allowed only by conditional use permit.
Size, lot and design limits: the draft includes a size window (initially proposed as 750 to 1,500 square feet) for typical ADUs, with a waiver pathway in the supplementary regulation to allow up to 3,000 square feet for conversions or units principally below grade. Staff initially proposed a 3.5‑acre minimum lot size for detached ADUs (the planning commission recommended applying the acreage only to detached units), but supervisors asked staff to consider a two‑acre minimum and asked for a revised draft at the next meeting. The draft also proposes off‑street parking for an ADU consistent with a second dwelling, occupancy limits, and restrictions on using an ADU as a short‑term rental (the ADU would not be eligible for transient lodging use under the proposed text).
Policy context and rationale: staff said the measure is intended to increase housing options in the county—s large‑lot agricultural areas, provide alternatives to family subdivisions and enable in‑place housing for relatives or long‑term rentals. Staff noted public‑health and building‑code requirements (septic, wells, and building permits) remain prerequisites; county health department approvals and appropriate septic capacity would still be required before a unit could be occupied.
Board discussion and next steps: supervisors asked staff to consider reducing the advertised 3.5‑acre minimum to two acres and to return with revised text at the public hearing next week. Staff said the public hearing is scheduled and that text amendments must proceed through the planning commission and public hearing process prior to adoption.
Ending: staff will update draft language to reflect board direction and present the revised text at the scheduled public hearing and planning commission review.
