Huachuca City considers allowing tiny homes as accessory dwelling units

Huachuca City Council opened discussion Jan. 29 on whether tiny homes should be permitted within town limits as accessory dwelling units, with staff presenting a set of draft rules for where and how ADUs could be located.

Dr. Jim Johnson, who presented the item, said tiny homes "can be classified as an Accessory Dwelling Unit," and outlined several regulatory options the council might pursue. He identified potential setback reductions, explaining that side-yard setbacks for ADUs could be reduced "from 7’ to 5’ or 3’" to make small units feasible on existing lots.

The presentation enumerated specific ADU constraints that would narrow how the small units are used. Johnson summarized that there would be "only one ADU per single family lot," and that ADUs must be accessed from the main street rather than from alleys. He also said an ADU "must be serviced by the same water, sewer and electric utility providers and meters as the primary house (no separate meters)."

The presenter listed additional limits including a one-bedroom maximum for ADUs, a requirement that each ADU have a separate entrance from the primary house and that ADUs meet the same design standards as the principal dwelling. He also noted a maintenance precondition: the primary house must meet minimum property/building maintenance standards before an ADU could be approved.

Council members discussed the recap and options but the minutes record no formal vote or adopted ordinance at the session. Mayor Johann R. Wallace moved to open the item for discussion and Councilmember Christy Hirshberg seconded; the item will remain before council for further consideration and any formal decisions would be scheduled for a future meeting.