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Willard planning commission reopens language on setbacks and ADU heights, sets follow-up public hearing
Summary
The Willard City Planning Commission opened a public hearing on proposed changes to setback and height rules, including a staff clarification that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) would be limited to 25 feet and two stories while single-family homes remain subject to existing 35-foot/2.5-story limits; commissioners asked staff to refine coverage and setback language and set another public hearing for Dec. 4.
The Willard City Planning Commission opened a public hearing Nov. 26 to consider amendments to the city’s zoning code on setbacks and height regulations and debated several inconsistencies in lot-coverage and ADU language. Planning staff said the draft separates ADU height limits from accessory-building rules and clarifies both rules.
"ADUs can be up to 25 feet and 2 stories," planning staff member Jeremy said during the hearing, describing the cleanup that would remove contradictory cross-references between accessory structures and ADUs. Single-family dwellings, staff said, would remain subject to the existing 35-foot/2.5-story standard.
Why it matters: Commissioners flagged conflicting coverage percentages across zones — for example, a 20 percent coverage threshold in one section, 30 percent in Old Town, and differing allowances for ADUs. Several commissioners asked whether ADU allowances should be calculated from the remaining open space or from a separate coverage cap. Commissioners and staff agreed the inconsistencies could not be reliably corrected within the current public-hearing record.
What happened: After discussing coverage, PUD references and Old Town exceptions, the commission voted to have staff revise the ordinance language and bring a corrected draft back for another public hearing rather than advancing changes tonight. Jeremy told the commission he would prepare revisions for the packet and staff recommended another public hearing. The commission set a follow-up hearing for consideration on Dec. 4 and voted to table final action until that meeting.
Next steps: Staff will prepare revised language to harmonize coverage and setback references and will supply the corrected packet for the next meeting so the commission can reopen the public hearing and consider a recommendation to the city council.
