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Mendon adopts ADU checklist, affidavit to regulate accessory units and long-term rentals
Summary
Mendon City Council adopted a checklist and owner affidavit tied to zoning (sections 3.3 and 3.4) requiring inspections, a single ADU per lot and minimum habitability standards; staff will notify existing rentals and waive fees through July 1 to encourage compliance.
Mendon City Council on Nov. 11 adopted a formal checklist and affidavit to regulate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and long-term rentals, aiming to bring ad-hoc rentals into compliance with building, fire and health codes.
Councilmember Amy Garvey, who led the effort, said the checklist ties directly to Mendon’s zoning code sections 3.3 (ADUs) and 3.4 (long-term rentals) and requires building and fire inspections and compliance with setback, foundation and septic rules. “Only 1 accessory dwelling unit is permitted per lot, and it has to be in the main building, in the main house, or in the garage as long as it's attached,” Garvey said during the meeting.
Staff and Planning & Zoning members explained technical limits and enforcement steps. Keilani (Planning & Zoning) and the fire chief, Barry, urged requirements such as a functioning kitchen, bathroom and a dedicated egress. Barry recommended CO2 and smoke alarms in sleeping areas; the checklist was edited during the meeting to reflect that. On septic systems, Planning & Zoning said an existing home with existing bedrooms will generally be acceptable, but new ADUs will trigger Bear River Health review and possible septic upgrades.
Council members discussed how to identify existing unauthorized rentals. The group agreed to a public education push — including a water-bill flyer — and said letters will invite owners to register; staff said fees would be waived through July 1 for property owners who come forward and complete required inspections. Keilani noted the affidavit requires owners to certify primary residence status and that the ADU will be used only for long-term rentals (30 days or longer); council asked staff to clarify whether short-term rentals should be allowed under a separate license process.
The council moved, amended to include the affidavit language, and adopted Resolution 2025-12 to formalize the checklist and affidavit. The resolution takes effect Nov. 13, 2025. Staff will post the materials to SharePoint and circulate a public notice, and the city will rely on citizen reports and incoming registrations rather than routine door-to-door enforcement.
What’s next: staff will refine the affidavit wording to ensure it aligns with short-term rental policy, prepare outreach materials for water-bill mailing and implement the inspection workflow with the building and fire departments.
