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Boards weigh flexibility for ADUs and waivers for historic contributing properties
Summary
Staff described ADU size caps (60% of primary dwelling or 1,000 sq ft) and waiver paths for contributing historic structures or affordable housing; members raised examples where size rules forced impractical outcomes and asked staff to study code changes.
Anne Hamilton and other planners reviewed current ADU rules and waiver mechanisms. Hamilton said accessory dwelling units are capped at 60% of the principal dwelling's habitable area or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less; contributing historic structures can seek waivers and non‑historic properties may qualify for exceptions if the ADU is part of an affordable/workforce housing commitment.
Board members described cases where a 900 sq ft house could only get a 540 sq ft ADU under the rule and said that the requirement sometimes prompts expensive workarounds (for example, physically attaching units) that undermine affordability. Staff asked for direction and said they will bring back potential draft language, noting that any changes may require coordinating votes between both boards and possibly amendments to the LDRs.
