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Mono County allows certain ADUs before main house for Pac Fire rebuilds over enforcement concerns
Summary
The board adopted a resolution (4–1) permitting accessory dwelling units to be built before primary residences for some Pac Fire rebuilds to speed rehousing; staff warned it could create enforcement challenges if main homes aren’t completed.
Mono County supervisors on Jan. 13 approved a narrow policy to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to be constructed before a primary residence when the build is tied to Pac Fire recovery, despite concerns about enforcement if the main home never gets built.
Community Development Director Wendy Sugimura told the board the resolution would apply only to pack‑fire rebuilds and was prompted by a specific applicant using a county prescriptive ADU design intended to speed rehousing. Sugimura said the county’s normal path — approving ADU streamlining only when a primary residence is already built or permitted concurrently — prevents the setback concessions that state ADU law otherwise grants.
Sheila Brown, a fire survivor and public commenter, described her plan to submit permits for the main residence along with the ADU and requested help with permit fees. “We are going to rebuild a new home,” Brown said. “If we can just have help… with the permit fees… that would be fantastic.”
Board members debated enforcement options if a main home never materialized: Sugimura described notices of violation, fines, and even the impractical option of moving a structure back into compliance as poor remedies.
Chair Crites cast the lone dissenting vote; the resolution carried 4–1. Supporters said the exception could speed rehousing for fire survivors; opponents and staff stressed the need for clear implementation and enforcement plans.
Next steps: staff will work through implementation details, check on certificate‑of‑occupancy questions for attached ADUs, and communicate directly with applicants requesting exceptions.
