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Severance council approves state-mandated ADU setback correction to retain funding
Summary
Council voted unanimously to approve Ordinance 2026-01, a correction to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) setbacks to meet state standards; staff said the change was mandated by the state and needed to avoid funding sanctions.
The Town of Severance voted to approve Ordinance 2026-01 on a correction to the town's land-use code addressing accessory dwelling unit setbacks, a change staff said the state required for compliance.
Staff explained the ADU language had been reviewed by planning and previously sent to the state. The state rejected the version because of setbacks and directed the town to adopt five-foot setbacks to meet state standards. Planning staff told council the single pending ADU permit would not be affected because it already met the required setbacks.
The resolution to correct the code was framed as mandatory: staff said the town risked being placed on a state list and could have funding withheld for a year if the code change did not come back to council in March. Council members voted in favor, with roll call responses recorded as yes from Hessler, Joseph, Gallardi, Bruin, Mayor Friess, Pro Tem Vandermark and Folks. The ordinance passed on the council's recorded vote.
Council directed staff to ensure the correction proceeds through the planning commission and back to council as required by the code process.
