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Manti council hears mixed public feedback on proposed ADU ordinance changes
Summary
At a public hearing April 15, Manti residents praised accessory dwelling units as an option for homeowners but raised concerns that parts of proposed ordinance 17.40.040 are ambiguous; staff signaled impact fees for utilities may be addressed separately.
Mayor Mary Wintch opened a public hearing April 15 on proposed revisions to Manti’s Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance, 17.40.040, and outlined wording changes intended to clarify the code.
Several residents voiced support for allowing ADUs under clear conditions. Shannon Miller, identified as a Manti resident, said she supports the ordinance “if people meet the guidelines as outlined” and described ongoing work on historic renovations in her family. John VanOrman thanked the council for the work on the ordinance but asked for the council’s interpretation for his own renovation and requested that a permit be granted for his project.
Other commenters said some sections read ambiguously and could make compliance difficult. Elise VanOrman said the ordinance can be interpreted in different ways and that uncertainty made her nervous. Becky Olsen said residents struggle to learn local ordinances and urged clearer communication and coordination between the public and the city.
Councilmember Jennifer Christiansen asked staff to provide clarifying language where provisions are confusing. Councilmember Mary Pipes said drafters have worked hard on clarity and invited the public to meet with city administration to resolve questions. City Manager Jason Brown suggested that impact fees for water, power and wastewater—either in the ordinance or in a forthcoming fee-schedule resolution—should be addressed as part of implementation.
Shannon Miller later recommended coordinating sections J and K so readers have no remaining questions. Rebecca Dettinger, identified as a non-resident, urged the council to allow residents who have invested in renovating dilapidated buildings to continue their projects and questioned restrictions that would block those efforts.
Mayor Wintch closed the ADU public hearing at 6:47 p.m. and staff said administrative work will continue to reconcile public comments with the draft ordinance. No formal action was taken at the hearing; further edits and potential council action are expected in follow-up meetings.
