Martin County panel backs text amendments to allow ADUs and ‘employee dwelling units’

The Martin County Local Planning Agency on Dec. 4 unanimously recommended approval of two related text amendments to the county’s comprehensive plan and land development regulations that would expand where accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, are allowed and introduce a new category called employee dwelling units (EDUs).

Planner Amy Offenbach, with the Martin County Growth Management Department, told the panel that the comprehensive plan amendment (CPA 25-04) would update Chapter 2 definitions and add policies in Chapter 4 to set ADU criteria and permit EDUs where nonresidential properties allow living quarters. She said staff recommends approval, calling the proposals “consistent with the comprehensive plan and state statutes.” The amendments will require three legislative public hearings: tonight’s Local Planning Agency meeting, a transmittal hearing before the Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 9, 2025, and a final BCC hearing in January 2026.

Why it matters: County staff and local advocates said the changes are…