Board hears code overhaul for single‑family accessory structures; staff proposes larger size limits and code reorganization

Town and Country held a public hearing Oct. 13 on proposed amendments to the municipal code that would change how single‑family accessory structures are regulated. City planner Ryan described consolidated and updated accessory‑structure rules intended to reflect recent approvals and align the code with neighboring communities.

Ryan said staff compared local practice with peer cities and proposed increasing permitted sizes and heights in some categories. He gave specific examples: ‘‘pool houses have gone from 300 to 500 square feet’’ and maximum height allowances for some structures increase from 15 to 20 feet. The amendments also add types of accessory structures that were not previously listed—detached garages and greenhouses among them—and reorganize the accessory provisions into a single alphabetical listing to reduce confusion in cross‑referenced sections.

The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the package and vetted dimensions closely; staff said the commission asked detailed questions before recommending the changes. The planning staff also noted that in one case the commission reduced the proposed maximum for detached garages from 800 square feet to 500 square feet to track the new 500‑square‑foot trigger that prompts architectural review on the rear of a house.

The board received the exhibits and closed the hearing on accessory structures; bill 2544 was continued to the Oct. 27 meeting for a second reading.

Why it matters: The amendments change what homeowners can build without special approval and clarify which accessory structures will require architectural review or conditional use proceedings. Moving requirements into a consolidated section aims to simplify code administration and public understanding.