New state ADU law, county zoning updates will require code changes in Martin's Additions

At the May 15 annual meeting, Ron briefed the Village of Martin's Additions council on two housing-related actions likely to affect local rules: a county zoning text amendment (ZTA 2502) under review and a recently passed state accessory dwelling unit law (House Bill 1466) that requires municipalities to treat ADUs the same as other accessory structures for setback purposes.

Ron said the county's ZTA would allow duplexes, triplexes and similar housing along certain corridor streets, and that the county planning committee has begun work with further action expected in July. "As you know, this law would allow multifamily housing on corridor streets," Ron summarized. He added there are currently no corridor streets bordering Martin's Additions but warned the county process could expand designations in the future.

On the state ADU law, Ron explained the new rule requires local codes to afford detached ADUs the same setbacks as other accessory buildings. "This state law says you have to treat accessory buildings the same," he said, noting the village's current approach imposes larger setbacks for accessory structures that contain habitable units. Under current village code, Ron said, a detached garage or shed must be 5 feet from side and rear lot lines, while an accessory dwelling unit with living space is treated like a dwelling and requires larger setbacks (he cited 8 feet side and 20 feet rear as the village's current practice). That will change under HB1466 and Martin's Additions will need code amendments by the October 2026 state deadline.

Councilmembers asked for specifics about parking and revenue. Ron said the county currently requires one dedicated space for an ADU, while the village requires two on-site spaces; the state permits special parking requirements only when supported by a study, so the village must complete a parking justification study if it wants to keep or modify stricter rules. He also noted ADUs can increase property values and the taxable base, producing more property and income-related revenue for the village over time.

Councilmembers recommended a code review and proposed hiring an outside consultant to perform a holistic update of building and zoning chapters (chapter 6 and 7 were named) to ensure compliance with state and county changes.

Next steps include compiling a list of code edits, commissioning any required parking study to support special local requirements, and scheduling a comprehensive code-review project ahead of the October 2026 compliance deadline.