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Commissioners weigh allowing ADU rentals, propose conditional permits and size/setback guardrails
Summary
The commission discussed expanding ADU rules beyond family/caretaker uses to permit rentals under a conditional‑use framework, with staff and commissioners proposing minimum sizes (350 sq ft), maximums tied to the main house (40%–60%), owner‑occupancy, one ADU per lot, one extra parking space, and dwelling setbacks; staff will draft language and verify occupancy/building‑code limits.
Planning staff opened a broad discussion of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), saying Navasota currently permits accessory units only for relatives or on‑site workers and does not actively regulate leasing. Commissioners debated how to allow ADUs for rental while limiting over‑density and enforcement burdens.
Options covered at the workshop included: allowing rentals under a conditional‑use/conditional permit or special use permit; requiring the property owner to occupy either the main house or the ADU; capping ADU size either by a fixed minimum (several commissioners proposed a 350‑square‑foot minimum to exclude tiny container dwellings) and a relative maximum (proposals ranged from 40% to 60% of the main dwelling), and an absolute cap (examples cited: 750–1,200 sq ft in other cities). Commissioners generally favored a one‑per‑lot limit, at least one additional off‑street parking space, and that ADUs meet dwelling standards and certificate‑of‑occupancy (CO) inspection requirements before use.
Staff flagged enforcement realities: existing unpermitted conversions are generally discovered by complaint or during resale/inspection; building code and CO processes apply when a structure is used as a dwelling. Commissioners asked staff to draft ordinance options that include a conditional‑use pathway, minimum/maximum sizing language, owner‑occupancy conditions, parking requirements, and clear setback rules (several suggested aligning ADU setbacks with dwelling setbacks rather than the 5‑foot accessory standard).
No formal vote was taken. Staff will prepare draft ordinance language reflecting the commission’s preferences for a future public review and formal action.
