Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Commission delays ADU ordinance for more drafting on owner-occupancy, detached units and meters
Summary
The commission postponed action on a draft accessory dwelling unit ordinance to allow staff and the City Attorney to refine language on detached ADUs, owner-occupancy, utility metering, height limits and short-term rental restrictions; the motion to postpone passed unanimously.
City staff presented draft language to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in residential districts with several Council-directed provisions: allow ADUs as accessory uses, prohibit detached ADUs in the draft, limit one ADU per lot, require utilities through the principal dwelling where feasible, prohibit separate sale of the ADU, and require owner-occupancy to the extent possible. Community Development Director Jacob Reilly said the Council requested staff draft language reflecting those points and that the City Attorney was reviewing two open sections.
Public commenter Steve Nelson urged occupancy limits, parking controls, permanent-site requirements (no mobile units), and clear address signage. Commissioners debated whether to allow detached ADUs, over-garage ADUs, height limits (24 ft vs. 35 ft), owner-occupancy verification, and submetering. Commissioner Jessica Birken urged removal of the owner-occupancy requirement, noting financing and trust issues; Commissioner Patrick Burlingame recommended submetering and additional enforcement language. The Commission voted unanimously to postpone the ordinance to the August 5, 2026 Planning Commission meeting to allow revisions and legal review.
