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Commission continues ADU ordinance review, schedules public hearing for June 9
Summary
The Planning Commission reviewed Attorney Jenkins's comments on the draft ADU ordinance, discussed owner‑occupancy language and a possible temporary‑absence loophole, and set a public hearing for June 9 with assigned follow‑up tasks for commissioners.
The River Heights Planning Commission continued its review of a draft accessory‑dwelling‑unit (ADU) ordinance on May 12 and scheduled a public hearing for June 9 to take further public comment.
Commission Chair Keenan Ryan summarized Attorney Jenkins's comments and the commission discussed concerns about owner‑occupancy provisions intended to prevent two rental units on a single parcel. Commissioners examined a suggested temporary‑absence clause that would allow an owner to waive occupancy for up to 36 months with notice, and Attorney Jenkins flagged that the wording could create a loophole allowing repeated absences. Commissioner Anna Lisa Davidson agreed to research clearer occupancy wording to avoid discriminatory implications; Commissioner Noel Cooley said he would ask Attorney Jenkins for alternative verbiage on temporary absences. The draft also includes standards on maximum ADU size and a height cap (ADU height not to exceed 35 feet), parking requirements (two off‑street spaces for an ADU in addition to primary dwelling requirements), shared utilities where feasible, and revocation/enforcement procedures.
The commission did not adopt the ordinance at this meeting and assigned follow‑up tasks to clarify occupancy language and attorney guidance before the June 9 hearing.
