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Council adopts ordinance tightening lot‑split and ADU rules after extended debate

Spring City City Council · March 5, 2026

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Summary

After hours of public comment and council discussion, Spring City adopted ordinance 2026‑03 changing lot‑split and accessory dwelling unit rules; the measure passed by a 3‑2 roll‑call vote following arguments about fairness, state housing guidance and preservation of the city’s character.

Spring City’s council adopted ordinance 2026‑03 on March 5, 2026, revising local land‑use regulations that affect lot splits, accessory dwelling unit (ADU) sizing and buffer‑zone planning. The measure passed on a roll‑call vote (3‑2) after extended public input and council debate.

Supporters argued the ordinance restores the town’s historically preferred lot pattern and protects Spring City’s character from rapid subdivision. Opponents warned that the change may limit housing supply, could prompt state scrutiny under land‑use statutes, and asked for additional hardship exemptions and clearer ADU definitions. A longtime resident summarized the pro‑growth counterargument by saying Spring City “is not a fossil” and urged the council not to freeze the town’s future; other speakers said the city must balance historic preservation with reasonable avenues for growth.

Councilmembers referenced prior public hearings and planning‑commission deliberations. Some council members urged caution about technical definitions (for example, whether the ADU size standard should be one floor at 650 sq. ft. or a 1,000 sq. ft. two‑story arrangement to match state guidance). After discussion, a motion to adopt the ordinance was made and seconded. The council recorded individual votes by name: Chris Anderson (yes), Marty McCain (no), Michael Broadbent (yes), Courtney (no), and Laurel Wertman (yes), resulting in passage.

The ordinance process highlights persistent community divisions over lot size, historic character and housing supply. The council directed planning staff to continue work on clarifying ordinance language, consider hardship exemption language and provide implementation guidance for ADU definitions and buffer‑zone mapping. The action is now part of the municipal code; residents were told additional changes or clarifying amendments could return to the council after staff and legal review.