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Planning commission forwards ADU ordinance amendment that would remove detached ADUs
Summary
The commission voted Feb. 10 to forward an ordinance amendment to the City Council that would remove detached accessory dwelling units from the code while retaining attached ADUs; staff said the June 2025 moratorium on ADUs expires June 2026 and the change aligns with single‑family lot intent.
The City of Blaine Planning Commission on Feb. 10 voted to forward an amendment to the city's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance to the City Council, recommending removal of detached ADUs from the municipal code while leaving attached ADUs in place.
Staff told the commission that the council adopted a moratorium on all ADUs in June 2025 to allow time for review; that moratorium expires in June 2026. Following council direction, staff proposed removing detached ADUs from the code so the ADU rules align with the single‑family intent of certain residential districts; staff said performance standards were reorganized and noise‑abatement language was adjusted to match other districts. Staff recommended approval of the proposed amendment.
During the public‑hearing period, realtor and resident Amy Peterson asked whether removing detached ADUs would reduce practical housing options given the area's housing shortage. Chair Gracke and staff clarified the amendment would eliminate detached ADUs but attached ADUs would remain allowed. Staff and commissioners suggested residents could share success stories or additional ideas with council members or staff for future discussion.
A commissioner moved to forward the amendment to the City Council; the motion was seconded and the commission voted to forward the ordinance amendment for Council consideration at the March 2 meeting.
Next step: the City Council will review the proposed ADU ordinance amendment at its March 2 meeting.
