Commission approves Avondale accessory building after debate over whether it is a 'shed' or larger accessory structure

The commission approved a permit for a 22‑by‑18 prefabricated structure described on the application as a "golf simulator shed," but commissioners spent substantial time debating whether the unit should be treated as a shed subject to a 1% lot‑area cap or as an accessory building that meets different dimensional limits.

Building staff called attention to the ordinance language limiting sheds: "A shed or storage building for garden equipment and household items incidental to a permitted use, provided that the floor area of such shed shall not exceed 1% of the size of the zoning lot," and noted the applicant’s unit exceeds that threshold by floor area. Commissioners and staff pointed out the code's definitions are outdated for new prefabricated leisure buildings that include HVAC and seating and may not be used primarily for storage. One commissioner called the code "poorly written" and said the town recently encountered similar ambiguity when considering greenhouse structures.

The applicant’s representative explained the structure is panelized and intended as an accessory building for recreational use, not permanent habitation; the commission discussed height (17.25 feet recorded in plans) and utilities (application listed heat and air). After debate, a motion to approve the accessory building permit passed by voice vote. Several commissioners asked staff to consider clearer ordinance language to distinguish simple storage sheds from larger premanufactured accessory buildings and to route comparable future applications to the APC for ordinance clarification.

Next steps: staff will process the approved permit and the planning/ordinance committee (APC) will continue work on clarifying accessory‑structure language for a future public hearing and potential code change.