Commission recommends code changes to permit duplexes and clarify design rules to meet state law

The Bandon Planning Commission voted to forward municipal code amendments to the city council to implement House Bill 3395 changes that require small cities to allow duplexes where single-family detached homes are allowed.

Staff explained the amendments would make duplexes outright permitted in multiple zones (CD-1, CD-2, CD-3, R‑1, R‑2 and variants), reduce duplex lot-size requirements to match single-family minimums (5,400 sq ft in the listed zones), and revise design standards so they are clear and objective as required by state law. Staff noted the city has grant funding for a housing code audit and must adopt clear objective standards by June 30, 2025 to avoid defaulting to state minimums.

Commissioners focused on clarifying siding language (a confusing item in the draft) and on accessibility concerns tied to a proposed requirement that covered front porches be elevated 18 inches. They agreed to delete the ambiguous siding item and fold acceptable siding materials into the primary materials list, and to remove the 18-inch elevation requirement for porches to avoid accessibility barriers. The commission’s motion to recommend the amended code (deleting item 8, moving siding materials into the main materials list, and removing the porch elevation requirement) passed on roll call.

Staff said the city will continue to refine design language through the upcoming Housing Advisory Committee and that technical refinements can be made after the June 30 compliance deadline.

Quote: "We can also add into that that materials that are designed to resemble those," a staff member said while describing acceptable siding options.