Huntington planning commission to draft rule allowing conditional exceptions for smaller lots, container homes
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Summary
At its meeting, the Huntington Planning & Zoning Commission discussed drafting a change to Title 9 (section 9-4) to create a conditional-exception pathway that would let the commission review requests for smaller lot widths, container homes, mother-in-law suites and limited RV spots before recommending action to city council.
Huntington’s Planning & Zoning Commission discussed proposed changes to the city’s development code on Monday, focusing on a process that would let the commission review and recommend conditional exceptions to standards such as minimum lot width and housing type.
Gary Arrington, the city’s zoning administrator, told the commission that several property owners have approached the office with ideas that current rules do not easily allow, including shipping-container homes, mother-in-law suites, duplexes on narrower lots and small RV rental sites. “I got a property owner that wants to put in container home, and that would require altering the max or the minimum width,” Arrington said, noting some existing legal 50-foot lots in parts of town.
Commissioners agreed the logical place to add an exceptions process is Title 9, section 9-4, which outlines the planning commission’s powers and duties. An unidentified commission member summarized the approach: “Any variances from the standards set forth in this chapter can be requested. The planning commission can review and recommend a decision to city council.” Under the model members discussed, the commission would hold a public review, recommend approval or denial, and forward the recommendation and packet to city council for final action.
The discussion centered on balancing flexibility with clear standards. Commissioners raised concerns that an exceptions pathway could generate many requests and stressed the need for safeguards so decisions remain consistent and defensible. “We’ve got to give them a way of doing it,” the zoning administrator said, adding he could help draft policy language after commissioners produce an initial version.
Practical questions also surfaced about construction type and infrastructure. Commissioners and staff discussed prefabricated and modular building methods that can meet aesthetic and dimensional requirements, and noted that mobile-home and RV park standards currently live in commercial sections and would need specific attention if exceptions were to apply. Utilities emerged as a major constraint: commissioners said sewer gradients and uphill water pressure limit where new development can occur without costly new infrastructure.
On costs and utility requirements, the commission discussed the city’s water-connection rules: purchasers must provide three water shares or pay in cash; one participant said a share was “about $600” but multiple members characterized that figure as approximate. A staff member also cited connection fees for culinary, secondary and sewer services “between 13 and $15” (units not specified in the record).
As a next step, the commission asked staff to draft possible language and agreed to review options at the next meeting; the chair said the commission would try to invite Todd Thorne to answer technical questions. No ordinance or formal change was adopted at the meeting. Procedural votes taken during the session included approval of the May 8, 2025 minutes (motion by an unnamed commissioner, seconded, approved by voice) and a formal adjournment motion that passed by voice vote.
The commission directed staff to return draft language that would add a conditional-exception process to Title 9 (likely in section 9-4) so members can weigh standards, thresholds and procedural safeguards before sending any recommendation to city council.