Huachuca City opens discussion on allowing tiny homes and accessory dwelling units

Mayor Johann R. Wallace opened a Jan. 29, 2026 Huachuca City work session by moving to open discussion on whether tiny homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) should be permitted within town limits; Councilmember Christy Hirshberg seconded the motion.

Dr. Jim Johnson, who presented the staff recap, said ADUs "can be classified as an Accessory Dwelling Unit," and laid out several proposed standards for council consideration. The presentation listed possible reductions to side-yard setbacks "from 7' to 5' or 3'" and specified that only one ADU would be allowed per single-family lot. The recap also stated ADUs must be either attached or detached, must be accessed from the main street rather than an alley, and "must be serviced by the same water, sewer and electric utility providers and meters as the primary house (no separate meters)."

The presentation further noted proposed limits that ADUs "cannot contain more than one bedroom," that each ADU must have a separate entrance from the primary house, and that the primary house must meet minimum property and building maintenance standards before an ADU could be approved. The transcript records the staff recap and that the council "discusses" the item, but does not include verbatim exchanges from council members beyond the motion to open discussion.

No ordinance, amendment, or final vote on ADU regulations was recorded during the session. The agenda language conveyed that the council may give direction to staff for action at a subsequent council meeting; the work session closed without a formal decision on new ADU regulations.