Commission workshop considers tighter ADU setbacks, ending story step‑backs and raising impervious‑area minimums

City planning staff presented possible code amendments for accessory structures, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and impervious‑surface standards at a June 10 workshop of the Coeur d'Alene Planning and Zoning Commission. Commissioners provided preliminary direction: increase setbacks for rear/side yards to simplify administration, consider removing the ADU "story step‑back" requirement, limit taller accessory structures to those attached to principal dwellings, and study raising pervious/impervious thresholds for single‑family lots. No ordinance or formal code amendment was adopted at the meeting.

Staff said the conversation continues a joint March workshop with the Historic Preservation Commission and framed the discussion as focused on two administrative problems: the difficulty of administrating the existing ADU story step‑back and growing neighborhood concerns about large accessory structures and runoff from increased hardscape. Virginia Loustalow and Barbara Barker were introduced as planning staff in the audience; city engineer Chris Bosley and building official Ted Lancey participated in the discussion.

Key items discussed

- Story step‑back and height limits: Staff described the current approach that allows taller accessory structures in the principal building envelope—up to 32 feet in some configurations—while ADUs built over garages are capped at 24 feet and other accessory roofs have limits of 18 feet (pitched) or 14 feet (low‑slope/flat). Staff…