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Planning commission defers R/RS and DADU text amendments to Oct. 23 for more outreach
Summary
Two companion HNI text amendments—one changing R/RS height limits and duplex rules and the other expanding detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs)—were presented and deferred to Oct. 23 after public comment raised notice, infrastructure and resale concerns.
The Planning Commission on Oct. 9 heard presentations and public comment on two HNI text amendments—one to revise design standards in R and RS zoning districts and another to expand detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs)—and voted to defer both items to the Oct. 23 meeting to allow additional public outreach and technical follow‑up.
Staff summarized item 14 as changes to single‑ and two‑family zones that would lower maximum heights in R and RS districts from three stories to two‑and‑a‑half stories (with a formal half‑story definition and eave/parapet and ridge limits) and would permit two‑family uses by right in R zones where lot size requirements are met (two‑family uses would remain not permitted by right in RS). Dustin Shane (staff) said the proposal affects about 9% of R‑zoned properties and is designed to produce more predictable, compatible infill.
Public commenters praised some aspects and pressed for clearer notice and an infrastructure review. One renter objected to the height reduction as a potential constraint on shared living arrangements used to make housing affordable; another commenter asked staff to quantify what the height change would mean for usable floor area.
Item 15 would broaden where DADUs are allowed: staff proposed allowing DADUs throughout the Urban Services District (USD), expanding allowed footprints tied to lot size and proportionality to the main structure, removing the prior 700‑square‑foot cap, and permitting one owner‑occupied short‑term rental in a single‑family home with a DADU. Staff said DADUs must remain subordinate, behind and smaller than the principal structure and would be subject to existing building, stormwater and access rules.
Speakers both supported and opposed the DADU changes. Supporters said DADUs create options for aging family members and small households; opponents said expanding DADUs risks increasing property values and could worsen parking, evacuation and infrastructure issues in some neighborhoods. One resident raised financing and title concerns when an accessory structure is later treated like a separate residence.
Given the volume of public comment and technical questions (including requests for examples from peer cities and data on permits where DADU overlays already exist), the commission voted to defer both text amendments to Oct. 23 to allow staff time to prepare clarifying materials and legal/finance follow‑ups requested by commissioners.
Staff listed follow‑up tasks including examples of DADU permit experience, legal analysis of resale/parcelization issues and an explanation of how occupancy and building‑permit reviews would interact with any new allowances.
