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Committee weighs studying ADUs in the National Scenic Area; quorum limits block committee action
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Summary
Staff raised accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a topic for potential study in the next management‑plan review. A March 4 follow‑up action recommends waiting on a plan amendment and asking the full commission whether to convene an ADU advisory committee; commissioners noted quorum limits prevented a committee decision today.
Christina introduced accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a recurring topic and reminded the committee that ADUs are currently not allowed in the National Scenic Area. Staff said ADUs were discussed in the 2020 management‑plan review but were not advanced at that time; the topic has resurfaced amid statewide interest in increasing housing options.
Bryce read the March 4 follow‑up action into the record: the chair will suggest the committee not recommend a plan amendment to allow ADUs now but will ask the Economic Vitality Committee whether it wants to recommend that the full commission convene an ADU advisory committee to study potential benefits and risks.
Commissioners noted that the committee lacked a quorum to take action today and discussed whether to adjust committee membership so the group can act. One commissioner said he can still bring questions and recommendations individually to the full commission. Public commenters and former commissioner Lynn Burdett urged staff to frame the conversation carefully, differentiating management areas and explaining how existing rules apply to different property types.
Why it matters: ADUs are raised as a potential tool to increase housing options and to allow rental income that could support agricultural property owners. Commissioners signaled interest in studying the topic but did not take formal action due to quorum constraints.
Next steps: staff offered to prepare either a one‑pager or a more detailed staff report depending on commissioners’ preference and to meet with commissioners about committee structure to ensure adequate quorum for future action.
Quotes: "At the next committee meeting, Chair will suggest that the committee not recommend a plan amendment to consider ADUs, but wait until the next review of the management plan," Bryce read from the March 4 follow‑up.
