Council OKs small ADU text amendment to allow ‘live‑work’ accessory units in community shopping district

Ricky Hervey, a planner in the transcript, presented a narrowly scoped text amendment to Chapter 54 to add accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a limited use in the Community Shopping (CS) district and to update related standards.

Hervey explained the change responds to occasional business owners who want an on‑site residence for family or staff and suggested the amendment is intended for live‑work situations rather than speculative rental. He noted the planning board recommended a condition restricting occupancy to the business owner, operator or an employee directly tied to the business, and the draft standards include size and siting rules similar to the residential ADU provisions previously adopted in the town.

Council asked about monitoring and enforcement; Hervey said violations would be handled as standard zoning violations (the transcript references typical zoning enforcement and a $100 per day penalty in a general sense). With no public speakers at the hearing, a council member moved to approve the amendment, finding it reasonable and consistent with the comprehensive plan; the motion passed by voice vote and the planning board’s occupancy restriction was incorporated.

The amendment is intended to enable small, on‑site live‑work housing in commercial areas (for instance, proprietors of businesses who need an on‑site presence), and staff indicated periodic checks would be a likely enforcement mechanism.