Commission approves accessory apartment at 652 Gris Mill Road; owner-occupancy and utilities clarified

The Kamas Planning Commission unanimously approved an accessory apartment (ADU) at 652 Gris Mill Road, with conditions required by code and the staff report.

Planning staff explained that the proposed ADU is attached to the main house via a breezeway and that the ADU’s entrance meets the code requirement that it be located on the side or rear of the residence. Staff said building plans have been reviewed by building inspectors and that the ADU will connect to the city water and sewer system. Staff also said the property owner must occupy the main residence as a condition of approval and will be required to maintain two city utility accounts (one for the main residence, one for the ADU) even though both units use existing service lines.

Commissioners discussed site details including retained walls on the sloped site, whether the breezeway might later be removed, the question of additional unattached structures shown on the plan set, and parking compliance. Staff confirmed the attached garage and driveway satisfy the additional parking requirement for the ADU and noted the county will assign a unique address for the ADU.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the site plan “as presented, and agreement with the staff report.” Another commissioner seconded. The commission voted yes on the motion with unanimous support recorded.

The approval was recorded as the planning commission’s formal authorization under the city’s ADU procedures; staff will proceed with permit processing consistent with the building-review comments documented in the staff report.