Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Text Amendments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission backs zoning text changes to allow accessory dwelling units, duplexes and administrative adjustments
Summary
Commissioners recommended a package of zoning text amendments from a housing task force, including allowing accessory dwelling units by right (capped at 800 sq ft and subject to design compatibility), allowing duplexes by right in R-1, and authorizing limited administrative adjustments by staff. The measure passed on roll call.
The El Dorado Planning Commission voted to recommend a set of zoning ordinance amendments intended to make it easier to add housing types and speed development reviews.
Staff explained the changes came from a housing task force. The proposed amendments would: rename accessory apartments to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and allow one ADU by right in residential districts if it is compatible with the principal dwelling and limited to an 800-square-foot main-level footprint; require anti‑severance provisions so ADUs cannot be split from the parent lot; allow duplexes by right in R-1 single‑family districts (subject to size and setback requirements); provide a second by‑right infill alternative tied to block character; and authorize administrative adjustments that would let staff grant limited relief on lot area, setbacks and lot coverage when documented findings show no adverse impacts.
Commission discussion focused on enforceability and context: commissioners asked who would determine design compatibility (staff), whether ADUs could share meters (staff said shared services are permitted and anti‑severance would be required), how parking rules would apply (staff proposed one off‑street space for smaller single‑family units or one per ADU), and how homeowners associations or covenants could affect rights (staff said covenants remain private agreements and are enforced by the HOA, not the city). One commissioner noted the city does not currently track short‑term rentals and enforcement challenges may remain.
After public hearing with no speakers, the commission moved to recommend the package of amendments. Roll‑call votes recorded a majority in favor; staff said the recommendations would proceed to the city commission for consideration and that public engagement would be scheduled before final adoption.
