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Levy County planning commission moves to remove ADU maximum size and asks staff to refine remaining changes
Summary
Staff proposed updating ADU rules including a proposed 750 sq ft minimum, requiring ADUs to be detached and allowing separate driveways on lots of five acres or more. Commissioners debated minimum and maximum sizes, rental limits and attachment rules and voted to recommend removing the existing 1,200‑square‑foot maximum to the Board of County Commissioners.
Levy County staff presented proposed revisions to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules (Section 50‑706) on May 18, asking the planning commission to consider a minimum conditioned floor area and changes to attachment and driveway requirements.
Planner presentation: staff proposed a 750‑square‑foot minimum conditioned floor area (not including porches or garages) and recommended removing the existing maximum size limit (the current code caps ADUs at 1,200 sq ft or half of the primary residence). Staff also proposed that ADUs be detached from the principal dwelling and that lots of five acres or more be allowed a separate driveway connection.
Commission discussion focused on tradeoffs between density control and housing flexibility. Several commissioners said 750 sq ft felt reasonable for a two‑bedroom ADU but suggested 500 sq ft might be sufficient in some cases; others raised concerns that attached garage‑conversions could be a practical and less‑expensive ADU form. Staff explained building‑code constraints: when an accessory structure becomes attached and creates a second dwelling without proper separation it can effectively create a duplex and trigger different building and fire‑safety requirements.
Public comment: Diane Gart warned that restricting rentals or detaching ADUs could reduce tourist or seasonal rental opportunities and limit options for small, efficient dwellings; she suggested limiting very large ADUs rather than prohibiting rentals outright. Commissioners also discussed homestead and tax implications and emergency‑service access, noting staff’s reasoning for a separate driveway on very large parcels.
Motion and outcome: a commissioner moved to recommend to the Board of County Commissioners that the existing maximum square‑foot limit on ADUs be deleted; that motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote. Staff said it will incorporate the commission’s direction and return the draft ordinance for BOCC consideration.
