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Council discusses state‑required ADU code changes and delays introduction pending clearer public materials
Summary
Staff presented options to conform Martin's Additions zoning to a 2025 state law about accessory dwelling units; the council debated three options (raise all accessory setbacks, remove stricter ADU setbacks, or adopt a 5‑ft default with larger setbacks for larger accessory buildings) and agreed to defer introduction until a plain‑language summary is circulated.
The council considered a draft ordinance (2026‑2) to bring the village code into compliance with a 2025 state law that treats accessory dwelling units (ADUs) the same as other accessory buildings for rear and side setbacks.
Ron explained the law requires municipalities to avoid stricter rear/side setbacks for ADUs than for other accessory structures such as sheds or detached garages. He offered three options: increase setbacks across all accessory buildings; delete the stricter ADU setbacks and allow the same reduced setbacks as sheds; or adopt a default 5‑ft rear and side setback with step‑up increases for taller or longer accessory buildings (for instance, structures taller than 15 feet or longer than 24 feet would require larger setbacks). Ron said the draft in the packet follows the third approach used by nearby jurisdictions.
Residents raised concerns about grandfathering, shared driveways and parking, and asked for plain‑language materials explaining implications. One resident asked the council to "please listen to what residents say and don't just push this through." Council members debated whether to introduce the ordinance tonight or provide an executive summary and public outreach first. Staff confirmed there is time to introduce the ordinance in May and adopt in June while meeting the October implementation deadline.
After discussion the council decided to defer formal introduction and asked staff to prepare a one‑page executive summary and plain‑language materials for the packet before introduction and public hearing.
