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Commission debates larger accessory‑building footprints and ADU rules; asks OP for analysis
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Summary
Commissioners signaled support for raising accessory building footprints (proposed R1/R2 to 650 sq ft, R3/RF to 550 sq ft) but requested supplemental analysis on owner‑occupancy rules, the 5‑year restriction for RF ADUs, and options for accessible one‑story units before final action.
The commission addressed proposed increases in permitted accessory building footprint across several low‑density zones and broader changes to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules. Office of Planning proposed raising the footprint for accessory buildings (from 450 sq ft to 650 sq ft in R1/R2 and to 550 sq ft in R3/RF) after OP said it had reviewed numerous special‑exception cases and concluded the rule was often a barrier.
Vice Chair Miller and Commissioner Wright said the proposed increases reflected what practitioners had requested; Miller noted the average size of recent relief cases exceeded 700 square feet and favored the 650/550 approach while asking OP for supplemental analysis if the commission wanted to go larger. Commissioner Wright flagged additional questions: whether owner‑occupancy rules should be removed or aligned with other recent policy changes, whether the RF five‑year occupancy restriction should be deleted, and whether some accessible one‑story ADUs could be allowed by right.
OP said it could provide supplemental information and cautioned that removing owner‑occupancy requirements could be a larger policy change tied to comprehensive‑plan consistency. Several advocacy groups (AARP, Coalition for Smarter Growth) and ANCs weighed in with competing recommendations on sizes and conditions; neighbors and preservation groups cautioned against very large accessory buildings in historic areas.
Action: commissioners placed the item in Category 3 pending supplemental OP text and analysis with the goal of moving to Category 1 if OP’s report addresses outstanding concerns.
Quote: "The average square footage of those 33 relief cases of over 700 was over 700 square feet," Vice Chair Miller said in explaining why 650 was a reasonable compromise between existing limits and typical relief requests.
Next steps: OP will submit supplemental analysis with recommended conforming changes; the commission said it wants a clear explanation of any owner‑occupancy or five‑year rule changes before taking final action.
