Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Accessory Units topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mayfield to adopt state-mandated internal ADUs; council defers rules for detached ADUs pending septic review
Summary
Council discussed internal (state-required) and detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Members agreed to adopt internal ADU provisions to comply with state law and defer crafting rules for detached ADUs until January because of septic-system, lot-size and site-plan complexities.
At the Dec. 10 public hearing, staff and the council reviewed two ADU types: internal accessory dwelling units (IADUs) — apartments inside an existing residence — and detached ADUs in separate accessory buildings. Council members noted the state requires municipalities to allow internal ADUs and that those IADUs must meet building-code separation and safety requirements (separate entrance, kitchen/bathrooms, fire-rated separations when converting a building to two units).
Council and staff emphasized septic-system constraints in Mayfield, where many lots use septic rather than municipal sewer. Staff said internal ADUs will require verification that the existing septic system can support an additional household; detached ADUs may require new or redesigned septic systems and state health-department involvement. The ordinance retains existing setback limits (5-foot side/rear, 12-foot from the primary house) and a 25% maximum accessory-structure footprint in rear yards; it also adds two additional off-street parking spaces per ADU.
Multiple council members recommended separating the two topics: approve the internal-ADU requirements to meet the state mandate and postpone detailed rules for detached ADUs until the council receives lot-by-lot guidance, septic analyses and draft site-plan approval procedures. Staff said formal adoption of the internal ADU provisions is anticipated at the next meeting in January; detached-ADU regulations will be developed in subsequent sessions.
What’s next: Staff will prepare ordinance language and implementation procedures for the internal ADU requirement to be considered at the January meeting; detached ADU rules will require further technical review and a work session.
