Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County adopts ADU plan amendment to allow accessory units on rural residential lots
Summary
After public hearings, Jefferson County adopted a plan amendment aligning county rules with state ADU guidance to allow accessory dwelling units on rural residential zones (RR‑2, RR‑5, RR‑10, RR‑20 and existing rural residential parcels), with restrictions on size, setbacks, septic review and exclusions for EFU lands and certain sensitive areas.
The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners adopted a plan amendment to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on rural residentially zoned properties in the county, consistent with state guidelines.
Planning staff walked the board through the proposal and supporting findings, noting that state law allows ADUs in specific rural residential zones. The staff report included parcel counts under two thresholds: roughly 1,490 parcels would be eligible under a 2‑acre minimum threshold and about 604 parcels under a 5‑acre threshold. The amendment includes sanitary standards that require sanitarian review (allowing connection to an existing septic or a separate disposal system) and preserves the county's ability to set setbacks and lot coverage norms. The 900‑square‑foot ceiling for ADU living area was set in accordance with state statute, though commissioners can adjust internal thresholds for local conditions.
After receiving public testimony both for and against (supporters stressed housing diversity and housing for multi‑generational families; opponents worried about incremental loss of rural character and farmland conversion), the board voted to adopt the plan amendment and directed staff to prepare ordinance readings for formal adoption.
