St. Anthony council reviews draft ADU ordinance, debates renter protections and parking

The St. Anthony City Council reviewed a draft accessory dwelling unit ordinance at its May 26 work session, focusing on renter protections when ownership changes, how ADUs may be attached to structures, parking requirements, and size and code limits.

City Planner Steve Grittman told the council that "this is not a final ordinance, but simply a draft," and outlined three sections: definitions, operational aspects, and operational requirements. The draft defines ADUs as subordinate dwellings with full living components and an exterior entrance and limits them to single-family parcels in R1 or R1A zones, allows only one ADU per lot, and prohibits short-term rentals.

Councilmembers pressed staff on how the ordinance would affect tenants if a property is sold. Councilmember Jan Jenson asked whether the language permits terminating an ADU tenant's lease on sale; Grittman said rental licenses follow the property owner and that a new owner would need to reapply. Assistant City Manager Ashley Morello cautioned that coordinating a license handover is complex because licenses are renewed annually and inspections are required. Councilmember Nadia Elnagdy urged adding options such as a non-disturbance agreement to give tenants more continuity when ownership changes.

The council also discussed what structures an ADU may be attached to. Grittman confirmed the draft requires an ADU to be attached to the primary dwelling or to an attached garage, but raised a concern that the current wording could allow attachment to a large shed; members asked staff to clarify whether newly built detached structures should be eligible and noted sewer-connection logistics for fully detached ADUs.

Parking rules drew significant attention. Planner Grittman described a proposal that would preserve at least one enclosed garage space for the primary dwelling, require an additional off-street space, and designate an ADU parking space; Councilmember Jan Jenson proposed simpler language requiring off-street parking for the tenant to reduce on-street overflow.

Councilmembers questioned a proposed 1,000-square-foot maximum for an ADU and how that standard relates to other size figures referenced in the draft (400–600 square feet noted for portions of a structure). Grittman said size limits are commonly used to prevent an ADU from usurping the primary dwelling and to manage utility capacity. The council also noted that the city's sustainable building code currently applies only to residential structures with five or more units and would not apply to most ADUs under consideration.

On short-term rentals, staff said the draft prohibits them entirely, though grandfathered exceptions could remain for owners predating earlier restrictions. Councilmembers raised concerns about neighborhood character and tenant turnover under short-term rental scenarios.

The council did not take final action on the ordinance; members provided feedback and asked staff to refine language on owner-to-owner license transfers, clarify attachment and size rules, consider parking wording, and discuss potential changes in the Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Wendy Webster thanked staff for the draft and detail before adjourning the meeting at 6:36 p.m.

Votes at a glance Motion to approve May 12, 2026 work session minutes: moved by Councilmember Nadia Elnagdy, seconded by Councilmember Jan Jenson; outcome: approved, 4-0 (Mayor Wendy Webster, Councilmembers Lona Doolan, Nadia Elnagdy, Jan Jenson voted yes; Councilmember Thomas Randle absent).

Next steps Staff will revise the draft ordinance to address council feedback, clarify language about allowable ADU attachments and size limits, and return with recommended revisions and any Comprehensive Plan considerations.