Santaquin planning commission unanimously recommends allowing detached ADUs in R20 zone

The Santaquin City Planning Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to recommend that the city amend its zoning code to permit detached accessory dwelling units in the R20 residential zone.

Jason Johnson, a planning staff member who presented the proposal, said the change is intended to align the R20 zone with previous approvals in RA, R8, R10 and R15 and to clean up land‑use terminology in the code. He told commissioners that the city’s moderate‑income housing strategy has included allowing ADUs in those zones and that adding the R20 zone is the next step in that effort.

"One thing I will say is my understanding is that the state legislature this year passed a bill that will force cities to allow detached accessory dwelling units in zones where a single‑family residence is permitted," Johnson said, noting that state action could make the local change largely duplicative when the law takes effect later this year.

Commissioners asked technical questions about how a detached ADU would differ from a mobile home or tiny home. Johnson said detached ADUs must meet specific requirements, including a permanent foundation, and that a mobile home or tiny home on wheels would not qualify unless it met those standards.

Several commissioners discussed the R20 zone’s characteristics; they noted it encompasses relatively few parcels and generally consists of larger lots, which makes detached ADUs more feasible there than in smaller‑lot zones. A commissioner also raised the idea of allowing manufactured‑home subdivisions or mobile homes as a broader affordable‑housing strategy; staff said such a strategy could be proposed but noted mobile home parks have historically been limited in the city.

The commission made a formal, legislative recommendation rather than adopting a code change itself. Commissioner Moog moved to recommend approval of the amendment permitting detached ADUs in R20; Commissioner Christopher seconded. The motion passed unanimously, with Commissioners Christopher, Wait, Hoffman, Wood, Moog and Johnson voting "yes." The commission instructed staff to hold the recommendation until the general plan amendment is processed so both items can be forwarded to the council together.

The commission then continued with minor business (the minutes from Jan. 27 were not available) and heard a brief staff report that introduced new planning commission alternate Tyrell Russell. The meeting adjourned at about 7:18 p.m.