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Occoquan defers vote on accessory‑dwelling ordinance after questions about single‑story limit, parking and home‑business rules
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended approval of draft Ordinance O‑2024‑03 (accessory dwellings), but Council members asked staff to clarify whether accessory units must be full‑time residences, how parking requirements apply, and whether accessory structures may be used for home‑based businesses or short‑term rentals; Council unanimously deferred adoption pending follow‑up.
A joint Planning Commission and Town Council public hearing on Aug. 6 drew no speakers from the public but produced detailed council questions about proposed changes to zoning rules for accessory dwellings and accessory structures (draft Ordinance O‑2024‑03).
The Planning Commission moved and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the draft ordinance, but during the Council discussion Town Engineer Bruce Reese said accessory dwelling units are intended for full‑time occupancy under the draft and that the current ordinance prohibits conducting a home‑based business in an accessory structure. Reese explained that adding a bedroom to an accessory structure on a single‑family detached lot would require an additional parking space; in the B‑1 commercial district parking would be calculated by square footage.
Vice Mayor Jenn Loges raised concerns that the single‑story restriction would exclude potential loft or apartment spaces above garages, which could otherwise provide housing and parking. Town Attorney Martin Crim said he would research how short‑term rentals and business operations are treated in the code and return with clarification; Crim noted a search‑function issue on the code website that required follow‑up.
After discussion, the council unanimously agreed to defer adoption of O‑2024‑03 so staff and the Town Attorney can address questions—particularly the single‑story limitation—before the council takes a final vote.
Next steps: staff and the Town Attorney to return with recommended code language or clarifications and the Planning Commission recommendation for Council reconsideration.
