Planning and Zoning Commission amends ADU size rules, deletes district subsections

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to amend the City of Lucas code governing accessory dwelling units, standardizing size limits across multiple residential zoning districts and removing two district-specific subparagraphs from the ordinance. The chair moved the amendment and it passed 5-0 after staff and commissioners confirmed a drafting error in the packet would be corrected.

Mr. Gilbert, who presented the item, said the published ordinance did not reflect the commission's intent. “This is what the code of ordinances should have said,” he said, explaining staff’s proposal to eliminate subparagraphs B2 and B3 and use a single standard (B1) for R2, R1.5, R1 and AO zoning districts. He described the standard as a maximum of 900 square feet with an additional 600 square feet possible by special use permit (SUP).

Commissioners asked whether the change would apply to the ED zoning provision in the packet. Mr. Gilbert confirmed ED was mistakenly included in the packet language and said it would be removed. After brief discussion, the chair moved to amend Section 14.04.304 (Accessory Dwelling Units) to adopt the single-size standard and delete subparagraphs 2 and 3; the motion was seconded and adopted 5-0.

The amendment clarifies the ordinance text rather than creating a new permissive right in ED zones; commissioners recorded no public opposition during the hearing, which drew no speakers. The commission adjourned following the vote.