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Clarkdale committee directs staff to clarify ADU definitions and sewer-fee links in Chapter 4
Summary
After extended discussion about when accessory dwelling units should trigger additional sewer charges, the advisory committee asked staff to place explicit ADU definitions and sewer/tap guidance in Chapter 4 and to return a revised draft before the March 24 joint review; no fee changes were made at the meeting.
Committee members spent a large portion of the March 5 meeting focused on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and how they are treated for sewer utilities and permitting.
Several members raised that under the town's current practice an accessory unit that is a separate livable unit'often indicated by the presence of a kitchen and independent bathing facilities'has been treated in the utility fee schedule as an additional residential unit for sewer-base charges. Members noted that the existing draft language in Chapter 2 (definitions) left ambiguity: the draft contained a definition that "an accessory dwelling unit may or may not contain a secondary kitchen," which led members to ask whether a kitchen should be the determinative element for sewer billing and whether a separate sewer tap should be required or only a billing distinction applied.
Staff (Clover) said the practical solution is to move ADU policy-specific language into Chapter 4 where the ADU and tiny-home provisions will live, cross-reference the fee schedule, and clearly state whether the presence of a kitchen or separate living facilities triggers separate sewer-base billing or requires a separate connection. The committee unanimously directed staff to prepare that clarifying language; staff did not change fee amounts or billing practice at the meeting.
Committee members also asked staff to coordinate with Public Works and Building to ensure the ADU definition aligns with building-code elements that define a dwelling (bathrooms, sleeping quarters, means of egress) and the fee schedule'so applicants will have predictable expectations when pursuing ADU permits. Staff committed to circulating the revised Chapter 4 ADU language before the March 24 joint Planning Commission/Town Council review.
The committee stressed two operational points: (1) if an ADU is intended to be rented, applicants should know at the time of permit whether a separate sewer fee will be assessed; (2) if a separate sewer tap is required, applicants should be informed of potential construction cost implications. No definitive changes to the sewer fee schedule were adopted; the committee's direction was procedural—clarify the ordinance language and cross-references so staff, applicants and the public can apply the rules consistently.
The committee's instruction is advisory; any change to fees or billing practice would require formal action by the council.
