Council adopts zoning amendment clarifying accessory structures, sets 75‑ft buffer for nonresidential uses

At a public hearing the council considered Ordinance No. 2025‑06‑01018, which amends Chapter 14 (Zoning) to add a definition for accessory structures such as game rooms and pool houses and to require nonresidential uses in residential districts to be set back 75 feet from side and rear yards. Development Services Director Joe Hilburn explained the change as a clarification that applies in R1, R1.5 and R2 districts and noted the setback is intended as a compromise between a typical residential setback and a commercial setback. "Basically, in all the residential districts, we want to add, non residential uses shall be at least 75 feet, from the, side yard and 75 feet from the rear yard," Hilburn said.

Council members asked clarifying questions about how the definition would distinguish a pool house from accessory dwelling units and about enforceability; Hilburn said a bedroom is defined by the occupant's intended use and that enforcement typically follows neighbor complaints. The council opened the public hearing, received no public testimony, closed the hearing, and then moved and seconded adoption. The motion to approve the ordinance carried unanimously.