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Planning Commission discusses ADU outreach, interns and East End small‑area plan engagement
Summary
The commission reviewed outreach plans for the East End small‑area plan, discussed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) policies and proposed staff-supported next steps including an intern for GIS work and a possible subcommittee to develop guidance for homeowners.
Lancaster City Planning Commission members discussed next steps for promoting and studying accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and received an update on public engagement for the East End small‑area plan. Staff said outreach events are planned in April and May and that an intern will support ADU research and GIS mapping this summer.
City planning staff described upcoming public engagement for the East End plan that will include focus groups, pop‑ups and attendance at May events such as Open Streets, a bike festival and the African American Festival at Reservoir Park. City staff said the project team has gathered roughly 270 responses to an online survey so far and will host targeted events in April and May.
Commissioners held an extended discussion about ADUs, drawing on examples from other jurisdictions. Staff noted examples from Lexington and Manassas County (presented as case studies) showing regulatory limits, homeowner guides and approaches to prefabricated units. Commissioners emphasized that ADUs can be expensive and that streamlining the permit process and offering preapproved designs could lower barriers.
Staff said an intern from Franklin & Marshall College will do GIS work this summer to map potential ADUs and help with research. Commissioner Porter Reich proposed forming a three‑member subcommittee of interested volunteers to advance a focused work plan; commissioners discussed rules about subcommittees and participation by alternates and non‑voting volunteers but did not record a formal vote on creating the subcommittee in the transcript.
Commissioners proposed several next steps they want staff to pursue: preparing a homeowner‑facing guide or handout explaining ADUs, identifying which neighborhoods and lot types make sense for ADUs, assembling preapproved ‘‘plug‑and‑play’’ plan sets to streamline approvals, and coordinating ADU outreach with the East End plan engagement. Commissioners also discussed the need to address utilities, stormwater requirements and dimensional (setback/lot) rules as part of any ADU program.
Why it matters: Commissioners said ADUs could help expand housing options, support aging homeowners who may downsize into an ADU and free up larger houses for new residents. Staff cautioned that not every lot is appropriate for an ADU and that technical issues such as stormwater and utility access are common constraints.
Staff and commissioners agreed to begin compiling an action plan; staff said they and Commissioner Lauren (name used in transcript) will meet next week to start that process. No formal ordinance changes were presented or adopted during the meeting.
