Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Adu topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning intern outlines ADU research as city considers ordinance options
Summary
Pearson Mills, a planning division intern, presented research on accessory dwelling units (ADUs), noting Johnson City's zoning ordinance currently prohibits ADUs; staff plans to circulate materials and pursue workshops to consider an ADU ordinance.
Pearson Mills, an intern in the Johnson City planning division, presented research to the planning commission on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and options for an ADU ordinance. Mills defined ADUs (citing the American Planning Association) as smaller independent residential units on the same lot as a single‑family home and summarized potential benefits including additional affordable housing, aging‑in‑place options and rental income opportunities for homeowners.
Mills said staff reviewed ADU ordinances in 13 comparable cities and found common elements: typically one ADU per single‑family lot; ADUs should not exceed the height of the principal unit; setbacks and building‑code compliance are required; ownership often cannot be separated from the principal unit; and policies vary on owner‑occupancy, parking and short‑term‑rental restrictions. He noted that in Johnson City, ADUs are expressly prohibited under the current zoning ordinance.
Commissioners commended the presentation and asked follow‑up questions. Mills said he did not have data on the proportion of ADUs that operate as short‑term rentals versus owner‑occupied units. Staff said they would circulate the presentation materials and links by email and will continue work on an ADU ordinance, with next steps likely to include a workshop and additional committee review.
Commissioners encouraged the staff to proceed and thanked Mills for his work during the internship.
