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Council approves ordinance simplifying ADU size rules, sets 900‑sq‑ft by‑right cap
Summary
The Lucas City Council voted June 19 to amend city code to make accessory dwelling unit sizing uniform: 900 square feet allowed by right and an additional 600 square feet by special use permit, replacing district-based size differences.
Development Services Director Hilburn (Speaker 6) explained that the proposed amendment to Article 14, Division 8 (Accessory Buildings, Structures and Uses) would remove multiple district-based size allowances and replace them with a clearer, citywide standard. "Now that they can put up up to 900 square feet by right... they're staying at 900 feet and less," Hilburn said when describing permit trends.
Hilburn said staff proposes deleting prior separate size allowances and adopting a uniform approach: 900 square feet by right, with an additional 600 square feet available through a special use permit where appropriate. Following brief questions about permit burdens and whether most ADU permits are under 900 square feet, the council opened and then closed the public hearing and voted to approve the ordinance amendment. Councilmember motioned to approve and the motion carried.
The change is intended to simplify permit review and reduce ambiguity that had arisen from multiple district-specific rules. City staff said the amendment will make the rules easier to interpret for applicants and reviewers.
