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Planning commission approves accessory‑dwelling ordinance with one‑per‑parcel limit
Summary
The commission approved changes to accessory dwelling unit rules—health‑department approval, 1,000‑sq‑ft cap, two‑bedroom limit and a new requirement that only one accessory dwelling unit is permitted per parcel—after public comment about loanability and terminology.
The Amelia County Planning Commission voted unanimously Monday to approve a proposed ordinance defining and regulating accessory dwelling units (ADUs) with an added limit of one ADU per parcel.
Staff described the proposed ordinance changes, which would require health‑department approval, limit ADU conditioned floor area to 1,000 square feet and cap ADU bedrooms at two. The update would allow ADUs by special exception in R‑1 districts and by right in several rural and residential districts if properties meet a minimum lot‑size threshold equal to twice the zoning district minimum.
Commissioners discussed potential loopholes—residents could build large accessory buildings and add living space—but staff said the ADU living component would be limited to 1,000 square feet and that accessory buildings would still have to meet building‑permit requirements and setback and height rules.
During the public hearing, speakers including Paul White urged clearer language for accessory structures to avoid mortgage and assessor classification problems, such as detached garages being labeled as "hangars" in covenants or tax documents. Commissioners and staff agreed to coordinate with the assessor’s and commissioner’s offices on terminology.
The commission added explicit language limiting ADUs to one per parcel and then approved the ordinance with that change. The motion carried unanimously; the ordinance will go to the Board of Supervisors for final action.
