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Warrenton adopts middle housing code (Ordinance 12-85); one commissioner records dissent over ADU rules
Summary
The commission conducted a second reading and adopted Ordinance 12-85 to amend multiple municipal code chapters to comply with state middle housing requirements (House Bill 2001); one commissioner voted nay citing concerns about ADU size and parking provisions, while others said adopting the code avoids appeals and aligns the city with state law.
The commission conducted the required second reading by title and then voted to adopt Ordinance 12-85, which amends multiple chapters of the Warrenton Municipal Code and portions of the comprehensive plan to modify regulations regarding middle housing and to comply with Oregon House Bill 2001 (2019). City staff read the ordinance title aloud before the motion to adopt.
One commissioner recorded a dissent on the adoption and explained that his principal concern remained the allowance for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), particularly a provision permitting up to 800-square-foot ADUs with one parking space. "My biggest issue still is is the ADU," the Mayor Pro Tem said, adding, "I don't see how this works... I don't see how this works, and I just don't think it makes sense to me." Another commissioner responded that state law and potential appeals mean the city is better protected by adopting compliant code and that refusal could invite costly appeals.
After discussion, the motion to adopt was approved by the commission with one recorded nay. The ordinance modifies multiple code sections (listed during the second reading) and the commission chose to adopt the ordinance tonight. The adoption carries forward the city's implementation of middle housing changes required by state statute; staff will proceed with implementation steps and ordinance filings.
