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Monroe adopts zoning change to ease accessory dwelling unit rules in residential districts
Summary
The council amended zoning to allow certain accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a permitted right in identified residential and rural-holding districts (not central mixed use), clarifying building-code and setback requirements and preserving conditional-use review for migrant employee housing cases.
The City of Monroe approved zoning text amendments to make accessory dwelling units (ADUs) a permitted right in specified residential districts, removing the requirement that most ADUs go through conditional-use review so long as they meet setback and building-code standards.
Administrator Rindy explained the change is intended to reduce barriers that have made development or modifications difficult for homeowners and businesses. She clarified that the change does not allow makeshift structures: "So an accessory dwelling unit...has to provide water and electricity and access" and must meet building-code requirements and a certificate of occupancy. Council members asked whether small storage sheds or trailer houses would qualify; staff and the chief confirmed mobile homes and RVs are treated differently under state code.
The ordinance passed in a roll-call vote. Supporters framed the change as a modest way to add housing flexibility for aging family members and to respond to housing-supply challenges; opponents raised questions about scale and enforcement. City staff said ADUs will still be subject to building-code review and standards for plumbing, foundations or tiedown as required.
