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Council reviews zoning updates tied to state law, including new detached accessory‑dwelling rules
Summary
Staff outlined ordinance changes required by recent state legislation (SB284) that alter process for unlisted uses and appeals, tighten removal procedures for planning commissioners, and implement new rules for detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs): required allowance on lots of at least 11,000 sq ft, owner‑occupancy, setbacks, size limits, and parking rules.
Planning staff reviewed a package of proposed zoning‑code amendments to align city language with state law changes (SB284). Steve Pastrick told the council the updates fall into five areas: procedures for new or unlisted uses, standards for removal of planning commissioners, automatic council consideration of zone‑change applications even when planning commission recommends denial, appeal‑process participant limits, and provisions specific to detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs).
On DADUs, staff said state code requires municipalities to allow a detached accessory dwelling unit on any single‑family lot of at least 11,000 square feet. Pastrick summarized staff recommendations that mirror state constraints and provide design parameters: detached ADUs may be in side or rear yards (not in front), must be smaller than the primary house, must meet building, health and fire codes, must be outside utility easements, and must provide reasonable windows (hence a suggested five‑foot side/rear setback if fully in the rear yard). Parking rules were discussed: units under 650 sq ft may be subject to one parking space; units over 650 sq ft may be required to provide two spaces; rental DADUs would require a business license and a minimum rental term of 90 days. Staff also noted that a parcel with an internal ADU cannot also have a detached ADU under the proposed language.
Council members raised practical questions about lot‑size thresholds and how existing detached buildings (garages, sheds) could affect eligibility. Pastrick said the lot‑size threshold is a statutory floor (municipalities may be less restrictive but not more), and that the city’s existing 25% rear‑yard total‑structure limit would continue to apply to detached ADUs. He also confirmed the October 1 effective date for the DADU provision in state law and recommended city code reflect that timing.
No final ordinance vote occurred at the study meeting; staff will bring formal code language to the planning commission and then back to council.
