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Willard commission sets Jan. 2 public hearing on allowing larger detached ADUs; clarifies height, decks and impact fees
Summary
The commission set a public hearing for Jan. 2 on a proposed amendment that would allow detached accessory dwelling units larger than 1,000 sq ft in certain residential zones; members clarified height should be measured ground to peak, rooftop balconies would be prohibited, and impact fees would be assessed at 66% for water/sewer impacts under the draft language.
The Willard City Planning Commission on Dec. 5 set a public hearing for Jan. 2 to consider amendments to the city’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules that would allow detached ADUs larger than 1,000 square feet in specified low-density residential zones.
Staff presented changes discussed at prior meetings, including a proposed size table tying allowable ADU living area to parcel size, and a clarification on height measurement. As Mandy explained during the meeting, the draft clarifies that an ADU’s height “should not be taller than the main house” and that height is measured from ground to the highest peak (ground-to-peak measurement).
Commissioners debated whether detached ADUs should be allowed to include balconies or rooftop decks. The draft text prohibits balconies and rooftop decks on detached ADUs; commissioners generally favored allowing ground-level decks but restricting elevated platforms. Several members asked staff to include a clear definition of “balcony” (suggested: a second-story platform or an exterior platform closed by a balustrade) and to limit deck dimensions so an ADU’s outdoor area does not create a structure larger in visual mass than the primary dwelling.
Staff also addressed an earlier applicant confusion about impact fees: the draft specifies that the construction of a detached ADU will result in an assessment equal to 66% of the water and sewer impact fees for that unit, whether served on the same meter or a separate meter. That 66% assessment point prompted questions at the meeting, and staff said the draft language will be clarified prior to the public hearing.
Commissioners agreed to correct wording in the size table (to avoid ambiguity about half-acre thresholds), add a clear definition of balconies versus ground-level decks, and fix typographical errors. A motion to set a public hearing on Jan. 2 passed on a voice vote.
The Jan. 2 hearing will provide the formal opportunity for additional public comment and final edits before any recommendation to the city council.
