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Commission recommends allowing secondary/spice kitchens in single‑family homes with conditions
Summary
The commission recommended approval of ordinance 25‑12 to allow secondary or "spice" kitchens in single‑family districts subject to use standards intended to prevent creation of separate dwelling units; staff said a second stove historically has been treated as a separate dwelling under the code.
The planning commission recommended approval of an ordinance to permit secondary ("spice") kitchens in single‑family residential zoning districts subject to standards intended to ensure they do not create additional dwelling units.
Staff explained that the current ordinance treats a second full kitchen — typically identified by the presence of a second stove — as creating a separate dwelling unit; the proposed amendment would add a definition for "secondary kitchen" and allow it as an accessory use in A‑1, AR‑6, RC and RS districts and some attached residential districts, subject to standards. The standards would require the secondary kitchen to be on the same level as the principal kitchen, be served by the same meter, not be separable into an independent unit, and meet other conditions so the dwelling remains a single‑family residence.
"The way we've always interpreted the zoning ordinances is the stove is what constitutes a second kitchen," a commissioner said during the discussion; staff confirmed the amendment would allow a second stove without converting the house into a multifamily unit.
Commissioner Iverson moved to recommend approval of ordinance 25‑12 as proposed; Commissioner Parker seconded and the commission voted with no opposition.
