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Bicknell panel approves interior building permit for barndominium, flags ADU/septic limits
Summary
The commission approved a building-permit application allowing interior finishing and plumbing work on Michael Ellet’s barndominium but noted outstanding septic and accessory-dwelling-unit (ADU) questions because the proposed apartment’s living area could exceed ADU size limits.
The Bicknell Planning & Zoning Commission on Nov. 19 approved a building permit to finish interior framing, plumbing and two-story living quarters inside an existing barn (a "barndominium") on Sandy Lane, while flagging unresolved septic and accessory-dwelling (ADU) issues.
Commissioners heard that the apartment portion is roughly 1,100 square feet and includes one bedroom and one bathroom. Town staff clarified the septic system has not yet been installed; commissioners said plumbing work can proceed after the town council signs the building permit and after the inspector is scheduled. Town council action was discussed for the council meeting Dec. 5.
Members noted that under town ADU rules, a detached accessory living unit located on the same parcel as a main house must have living quarters limited to 400–800 square feet. Commissioners pointed out that a 1,100-square-foot apartment would exceed the 800-square-foot ADU maximum if the owner later placed a main residence on the same parcel. Options discussed included reducing the apartment’s living area, subdividing the parcel to create a separate lot, or installing two septic systems as required by county health code.
Commissioner Jim moved to approve the building permit to allow interior work and plumbing to begin; Diane seconded. The commission approved the motion by voice vote and agreed to forward the signed permit to the town council for signature and to coordinate inspections with the code officer.
Why it matters: approving interior and plumbing permits allows construction to proceed but the size of the living quarters raises potential future zoning constraints under ADU rules. If the owner later seeks to add a separate main house on the same parcel, the current apartment’s square footage could constrain future development without parcel division or plan modification.
Next steps: the permit will go to the town council for signing; the owner was advised to coordinate septic installation with county public-health requirements and to consider subdivision or downsizing the living quarters if a future primary residence is planned.
