Planning commission approves ADU and multifamily code amendments, forwards ordinance to city council

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve amendments to the city’s multifamily and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) code and forwarded the ordinance to the city council for implementation. The commission opened a public hearing, heard public concerns about definitions, then carried the motion to approve the ordinance.

During the public hearing an unidentified commenter warned the draft’s reference to “mobile home” omitted RVs and trailers and could create a loophole for people living in or renting RVs. The commenter said, “people live in RVs now… I’m really afraid that someone will use that as a loophole.” Planning staff responded that the ADU provision requires an ADU to be located inside a permanent structure with a foundation, not a wheeled unit, and noted an existing city ordinance already prohibits living in RVs within city limits.

Commissioners debated the practical distinction among mobile homes, manufactured homes and trailer-based tiny homes and discussed how applicants might attempt to make a nonpermanent structure appear permanent. After closing the hearing, Michael Bass moved to approve the multifamily and ADU code as written; Jennifer Flynn seconded, and the motion carried. The commission will send the ordinance to the city council for final action.

Next steps: the ordinance packet will go to city council for review and any additional action. The commission’s action was limited to forwarding the approved text; no city-council-level decisions were made at this meeting.