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Ivins council eases rules for accessory dwelling units, sets size/parking and design guidelines
Summary
After a public hearing and detailed debate, the Ivins City Council adopted ordinance 2025‑14 updating accessory dwelling unit rules. Changes include a proposed ADU size band (discussion settled on 400–1,000 sq ft with council references to 600–1,200 alternatives), required additional off‑street parking, design compatibility requirements referencing Chapter 19, and a repeal of section 16.12.105.
Following a public hearing and extensive council deliberation, Ivins City Council on July 17 adopted amendments to municipal code to make accessory dwelling units (ADUs) easier to obtain and to clarify standards for detached ADUs (external ADUs).
What changed: The council agreed to a framework discussed during the meeting that encourages smaller detached units while setting an upper cap. While councilmembers debated minimum and maximum sizes (some favored a 400‑square‑foot minimum, others proposed 600–1,200 as alternatives), the council adopted language that provides a workable size band and explicit limits on lot coverage, separate parking requirements and design compatibility. Key elements added or clarified include:
- Size and form: Council discussion supported a range beginning at 400 square feet with typical upper limits discussed at 1,000 square feet; members noted state guidance and neighborhood impacts when selecting final thresholds.
- Parking: An external ADU must provide at least one additional off‑street parking space separate from the primary dwelling’s required spaces; units with two or more bedrooms need a second additional off‑street space. Parking is not allowed within required front or side yard setbacks except as an approved driveway.
- Design compatibility: Detached ADUs must be architecturally compatible with the primary residence and follow the city’s design guidance (Chapter 19); the ordinance disallows rooftop balconies and second stories for ADUs to limit visual and privacy impacts.
- Administrative and code clarifications: The council repealed section 16.12.105 as part of the package and directed staff to include illustrative diagrams and a clarified map where the code references restricted areas for certain accessory structures.
Council and public input: Several councilmembers and public commenters raised sight‑line, setback and material‑match concerns; staff and the mayor argued for language that protects neighborhood character while expanding options for modest housing. Wayne Pennington (public commenter) offered a detailed example about how incremental setback changes can produce different allowed heights and urged a graphical or tabular approach to reconcile those cases.
Outcome and next steps: The ordinance (No. 2025‑14) passed by roll call. Staff will prepare final code language and exhibits including the referenced map and publish the amendments; staff also noted that state law may continue to evolve and the city will monitor statutory changes affecting ADU rules.
