Polk County commissioners initiate amendment to allow rural ADUs

The Polk County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday voted unanimously to direct staff to initiate a legislative amendment to the county zoning ordinance to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in rural residential zones outside the urban growth boundary.

Eric Knudknson, senior planner with the Community Development Department, told the board the change responds to recent state law and identified the minimum standards the county must adopt if it permits rural ADUs. According to the standards he cited, the parcel must be at least 2 acres and contain one single-family dwelling; the ADU may not exceed 900 square feet, must be located within 100 feet of the existing dwelling and may not be used for vacation occupancy.

"If these new laws are adopted, the county must at a minimum conform to the specific standards listed in RS 215495," Knudknson said, adding that the county may adopt additional, more restrictive local standards. He said public hearings before the planning commission and the board would be scheduled to gather testimony and consider text changes.

A commissioner moved to direct staff to initiate the amendment as presented and another commissioner seconded; the board recorded vocal "ayes" and the motion passed unanimously.

The board also approved routine agenda items earlier in the meeting, including adoption of the day's agenda and approval of the Nov. 5 minutes, both by unanimous voice vote.

Next steps described by Knudknson include scheduling public hearings before the planning commission and the board of commissioners, where staff will present proposed text amendments and accept public testimony before the board makes a final local decision.