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Resident warns of alleyway ADU density, urges setbacks and parking controls
Summary
Resident Maryanne Bell and other commenters raised detailed concerns during the June 3 public hearing on Ordinance 1591 about potential ADU density on alleys, zero lot-line impacts, open-space computations and emergency access; she proposed incentives and permit-parking options to mitigate risks.
During the public hearing on Ordinance 1591, resident and written commenter Maryanne Bell urged the council to address potential concentrations of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in rear-alley areas and to consider incentives to reduce zero lot-line development. Bell said current draft rules could allow multiple 25-foot ADUs to be sited at or near zero setbacks across common alley lines, increasing the potential for crowding and constrained emergency access.
"Thats a lot of POTENTIAL DENSITY on ALLEYWAYS and within common rear lot lines in Rustons," Bell told the council in written and oral comments, calling attention to the citys 50% open-space standard and suggesting voluntary incentives (for example, reductions in open-space requirements) in exchange for alley setbacks. She also recommended permit-parking models tied to a homeowners street frontage to prevent overflow parking from ADU tenants on neighbors streets.
Councilmembers and staff recorded the concern for further work. Rob White, Community Development Director, confirmed ADU rules must comply with state law but noted the draft includes protections such as open-space requirements and the conditional-use review process for certain uses. He told the council staff will return with additional clarification and data at the ordinances second reading on June 17, 2025.
