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Franklin County adds definition for accessory dwelling units, limits size and requires owner-occupancy
Summary
The Franklin County Commission adopted an amendment to the zoning resolution that adds a definition for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): one ADU per lot, maximum 1,000 sq. ft., owner-occupancy of either the main dwelling or the ADU, and no mobile homes. The Planning & Zoning director said the change is intended to allow family uses and modest rental income.
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to the county zoning resolution on July 16 that adds a formal definition for Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs.
The amendment—recommended by the Franklin County Regional Planning Commission and introduced at a public hearing—defines an ADU as subsidiary living quarters situated within an accessory structure "as a customary incidental use to a single-family dwelling." The approved language limits ADUs to a single unit per lot, caps living area at 1,000 square feet, requires that either the single-family dwelling or the ADU be owner-occupied, and excludes mobile homes from qualifying as ADUs.
Janet Petrunich, Director/Building Commissioner for Franklin County Planning & Zoning, told the Planning Commission that the change is intended "to allow many uses such as medical hardships; allowing aging parents and or young people starting out on their own to be in close vicinity with their families; and a way for citizens of Franklin County to generate income." She said the board could add further restrictions later if evidence of abuse appears.
During the Planning Commission discussion, Commissioner and Planning Commission member Eddie Clark commented that the change "would be a good thing for the citizens of Franklin County," while fellow member Michael Rudder raised concerns about potential misuse. The applicant, William A. Gage Jr., agreed to a revised version of the definition that explicitly allows the property owner to occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU.
At the county commission meeting the amendment was approved on a motion by Commissioner Johnny Hughes, seconded by Commissioner Dave Van Buskirk, and adopted by voice vote (13-0).
The amendment text and the Planning & Zoning notice and memo (dated June 28, 2018) are attached to the commission minutes. The new definition will be applied in county zoning reviews and is intended to let homeowners add modest, subordinate living units without subdividing property. Planners noted setback and accessory‑structure rules of the underlying zoning district still apply to any ADU.
Next steps identified in the minutes include codifying the amendment in the county zoning resolution and making the revised language available in the Planning & Zoning Department office.
