Planning commission recommends expanding zones where accessory dwelling units are allowed

Morgan City Planning Commission on June 17 voted unanimously to send a positive recommendation to City Council for amendments to the city land-use table that would allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in additional zones while keeping the ordinance's existing standards.

The commission’s action follows a public hearing and staff presentation that framed the changes as corrections to bring local code into alignment with state law and to remove inconsistencies in where ADUs are permitted. Jake (staff member) told the commission the proposal does not change ADU design, parking, setback or safety requirements, “we're not proposing changes to the standards… just fixing the zoning where it's allowed.”

Why it matters: The revisions are intended to reduce conflicts between Morgan City’s zoning map and state ADU rules (for example, the state requires internal ADUs be allowed on lots of 6,000 square feet or larger). If adopted by City Council, the change would allow some homeowners in additional zones to pursue attached or detached ADUs without relaxing the ordinance's safety, architectural compatibility or parking requirements.

Key points from the proposal and hearing

- Zones added (summary): internal/attached ADUs would be explicitly allowed in R-18, RM-7, RM-15 and certain existing single‑family properties in MD (Manufacturing/Distribution) where the house pre-exists the zone change. Detached ADUs were proposed to be allowed in R-18, RM-7 and RM-15 (detached ADUs remain outside C and MD under state law).

- Lot-size and technical standards: Internal/attached ADUs follow state law requiring a minimum 6,000 square foot lot for internal ADUs. Detached ADUs would remain subject to a 10,000 square foot minimum. Other standards the planning staff said would not change: one off-street parking stall per bedroom; detached ADU height limit 25 feet; a maximum detached ADU size up to 1,000 square feet; rear/side/front setbacks (10 feet from primary structure, 10 feet rear, 10 feet side/15 feet on corner lots; front of detached ADU at least 5 feet behind front of primary home); and a requirement that detached units be within 250 feet of a fire hydrant to meet fire-department access concerns. Additions or remodels must match the primary dwelling’s architectural style, materials and color.

- Process: Jake said staff will forward the commission’s recommendation and the draft ordinance language to City Council; the commission’s vote was a recommendation only and does not itself amend the code.

Public comment and vote

No members of the public who spoke during the hearing expressed opposition or provided substantive testimony on the record. After discussion, a commissioner moved to forward a positive recommendation to City Council; a second was recorded (Becky). The commission then voted and the chair declared the motion unanimous.

Next steps

The commission’s recommendation will be placed on a future City Council agenda. Any final changes to the ordinance would occur at the Council level after Council review and any required public hearings.

Sources and provenance

This account is based on the Planning Commission work session and public hearing for accessory dwelling units on June 17, 2025. The staff presentation and the commission’s motion and vote are documented in the meeting transcript.