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Trustees adopt targeted Unified Development Code changes, clarify accessory‑structure rules
Summary
The Board of Trustees on Oct. 28 adopted Ordinance 12 updating sections of the Unified Development Code covering deposits, accessory‑structure permitting (formerly 'sheds'), driveway surfacing, ADU rules and public‑notice procedures. Trustees requested the staff attorney refine language for the accessory structure change before final publication.
The Town of Buena Vista adopted a set of targeted amendments to the Unified Development Code (UDC) on Oct. 28 aimed at clarifying procedures and reducing administrative friction for routine projects.
Planning staff presented redline language covering about 14 changes. Key elements included: removing rigid, in‑code deposit tables and tying deposits to the town’s fee schedule so staff can apply deposits to more application types; eliminating the requirement for a permit for small accessory structures (the trustees amended the draft language to reference ‘‘accessory structures’’ rather than only ‘‘sheds’’); clarifying driveway surfacing requirements to reduce asphalt damage from tracked gravel; restoring a previously removed maximum‑parking table for highway commercial retail; tightening ADU (accessory dwelling unit) rules to limit ADUs in certain rowhouse or multifamily contexts; and moving the cost and postage burden for public notice to applicants while preserving a town template and town approval requirement for mailed notices.
Trustees approved the ordinance after a brief public hearing; the motion included a friendly amendment to replace ‘‘sheds’’ with ‘‘accessory structures’’ and authorized the town attorney to finalize precise language consistent with the board’s direction.
Staff said the changes were largely administrative and intended to reduce inconsistent interpretations, speed permitting and align the code with current practice. The ordinance takes effect on adoption subject to standard publication procedures.
