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Bethany P&Z debates raising accessory‑building size limits and considers special‑permit path for large detached garages
Summary
Commissioners discussed increasing the detached accessory‑building (garage) size limit from 1,000 sq ft to options such as 1,200 sq ft by right or up to 1,600 sq ft by special permit, but tabled the amendment for further review and member input.
Commissioners on Aug. 5 opened discussion on proposed text changes to the zoning regulations that would increase the allowable size for detached accessory garages. The current rule limits accessory buildings to 1,000 square feet; commissioners considered raising that baseline to 1,200 square feet and allowing larger detached garages (up to 1,600 square feet) by special permit or by tying maximum size to lot area.
Chair Steve Parkquist said the change would address modern household needs but flagged the need for safeguards to avoid large outbuildings on small lots. "I was thinking it might be useful to give a bailout option," Parkquist said, describing options including a special‑permit path and lot‑size‑based limits. Commissioners expressed concerns about aesthetics, lot coverage, and the possibility that applicants could recast large garages as "barns" to exploit an existing barn exception. The item was tabled to solicit input from absent members and to refine the draft language.
