Council continues ordinance amending front-yard definitions after debate over ADUs on large lots

Council considered ordinance 2025-17, which staff said was narrowed from an earlier draft to remove provisions that would have allowed accessory buildings and ADUs in front yards. Planning staff explained that the current packet contains clarifying language for yard and setback definitions and that the proposed code clean-up would explicitly reflect the city’s long-standing interpretation that ADUs are not permitted in front yards.

Councilmembers raised repeated questions about exceptions for very large lots. Some councilmembers supported allowing detached ADUs in front yards on one-acre-or-larger parcels (or by adopting a 100-foot minimum setback), while others said doing so could effectively bypass prior zoning choices and change neighborhood character. The city attorney noted state law requires the ordinance draft be in front of the council at the time of a vote and cautioned against drafting substantive language on the fly.

After discussion, a motion to continue the item carried. The council directed staff to return with alternative drafts that would: (a) approve the clarifying clean-up language in the packet, and (b) present additional options addressing lot-size or distance-based exceptions (for example, a 100-foot setback or explicit acreage thresholds). The council set a follow-up on the next appropriate agenda so the incoming full council can weigh in on size thresholds.