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Council debates detached ADU rules as state deadline approaches; size and height draw most scrutiny
Summary
Council and planning commissioners discussed detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) standards required by state law, including setbacks, height and livable-size caps; several council members urged smaller maximum units and tighter protections for neighbors.
Planning-commission members presented a recommended DADU framework staff will use to draft code revisions required by the state. The planning commission's proposal would apply home setbacks and heights to detached ADUs, limit livable area (proposing 1,250 sq ft for lots under one acre and 1,500 sq ft for larger lots), restrict one ADU per lot and tie maximum accessory coverage to existing accessory-structure rules.
Trent (planning commission chair, speaker 2) said the commission sought to balance options for seniors and young families to remain in Highland with protections for neighbors. "The objective was to provide a place for ... our aging community to stay in our aging community," he said.
Council members raised concerns, including off-street parking, potential for multi-family occupancy creeping onto single lots, fire and emergency access when two dwelling units are close together, and how existing large accessory buildings would be treated. Council member Rice opposed the largest proposed sizes for smaller lots and said, "I don't want 3 families on 1 lot." Several members suggested limiting livable square footage, imposing footprint caps, or requiring sprinklers in some cases.
Staff recommended a phased approach: continue the conversation in upcoming council meetings on size and height (two topics the council flagged for further review) and bring a final ordinance back before the Oct. 1 state deadline to avoid unintended automatic allowances under state law.
