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Zoning board backs conversion of 4.6-acre barn to 1,890-sq.-ft. accessory dwelling amid policy concerns
Summary
The Johnson County Zoning Board recommended approval of an accessory dwelling unit permit to convert an existing barn into a 1,890-square-foot ADU at 6100 West 183rd Street, despite members’ concerns that repeatedly allowing exceptions to the 900-sq.-ft. ADU cap could erode single-family neighborhood character. The item goes to the County Commissioners July 16.
The Johnson County Zoning Board on Wednesday voted to recommend approval of an accessory dwelling unit permit to convert an existing outbuilding into a 1,890-square-foot residence at 6100 West 183rd Street.
Michelle Liner, county planning staff, told the board the proposal met most ADU standards but exceeded the 900-square-foot limit that triggers administrative approval, which is why the item required a public hearing. "This proposal is for conversion of an existing accessory building to a 1,890 square ft ADU," Liner said, and staff recommended approval subject to the stipulations in the staff report.
Board members pressed staff on how the ADU rules are applied. Rod Richardson asked whether the owner-occupancy requirement would restrict use; staff confirmed that "the owner must reside in one of the two units," though there is no regulation preventing the owner from later renting the other unit. Several members said the 900-square-foot cap was intended to keep ADUs subordinate to principal houses. "That 900 square foot limit is very consistent with the intention of it being a small accessory dwelling unit," Richardson said.
The property owner and architect told the board the structure is a former horse barn on a nearly 5-acre lot that is largely out of view from the road. Owner Mohammed Buan said the unit is intended for family use: "we're not going to rent it for anything. It's just for ... my kids when they come back from college, they can hang out there." He also reiterated that construction and parking would occur on the long private driveway and that no on-street parking was planned.
Neighbors raised concerns during public comment. Jim Griggs said he had expected a barn rehabilitation, not living quarters, and flagged HOA restrictions against additional dwellings. Remote commenter Cecilia Ganhard asked how construction parking and future occupancy might affect street parking and safety on 183rd Street.
Staff and the applicant responded that the ADU sits roughly 400 feet from the property line and that construction crews would likely park on-site, and that short-term rental use would require a separate permit.
On a roll-call vote the board recommended approval (Yes: Roger Spears, Scott Valentine, John Degrand, Ken Klingan Smith, Jeff Huff; No: Fred Winger, Rod Richardson). The item will be considered by the Board of County Commissioners at its July 16 meeting in the county hearing room.
The zoning board’s discussion highlighted a recurring policy tension: members said they want to enable family housing and flexibility on large rural parcels while avoiding a pattern of repeated exceptions that could effectively convert single-family neighborhoods toward higher-density uses. Several members urged planning staff and the commission to consider a policy review of the ADU size limit and related standards.
