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Commissioners adopt zoning text amendments to expand accessory structure allowances and modernize development rules
Summary
The board unanimously adopted Ordinance 2026-02 (ZTA 2025-02), which increases accessory structure size allowances by lot size, integrates tiny-home standards, clarifies manufactured home park rules, and creates a conditional community master-plan process for larger developments.
Patrick Dickinson, county planner, presented ZTA 2025-02 and the implementing ordinance (2026-02) to update multiple articles of the county's zoning code. The package increases accessory-structure allowances (for parcels under 1 acre: 1,500 sq ft; 1–3 acres: 2,400 sq ft; 3+ acres: 4,000 sq ft), institutes an exemption for pre-existing structures, revises setbacks on a sliding scale, and adds guidance for shipping containers on proper foundations.
The amendment also incorporates Appendix Q language to permit permanent tiny homes (with permanent foundations), raises accessory dwelling unit heated-square-foot allowance to 1,000 sq ft, consolidates manufactured-home park standards to reduce duplication, and creates two special development tracks: cluster developments (watershed protection areas) and a conditional community master-plan process for larger mixed-use projects. Dickinson said the changes respond to frequent board-of-adjustment variance requests and community task-force input.
Commissioner Barry moved to adopt Ordinance 2026-02, finding the amendment reasonable and in the public interest. The board voted 5-0 to adopt the zoning updates.
