Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Accessory Dwelling Units topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Huachuca City Council weighs rules for ADUs and tiny homes
Summary
At a Jan. 29 work session, the Huachuca City Town Council opened discussion on allowing tiny homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), reviewing standards including setbacks, single‑unit limits, utility requirements and design standards. No ordinance was adopted at the session.
The Huachuca City Town Council on Jan. 29 opened a work‑session discussion on allowing tiny homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) within town limits after a presentation by Dr. Jim Johnson. Mayor Johann Wallace moved to open Item B.1 and Councilmember Christy Hirshberg seconded; the body discussed several potential code changes but took no final regulatory action.
Dr. Jim Johnson presented a set of recommended ADU parameters and repeatedly emphasized that tiny homes "can be classified as an Accessory Dwelling Unit." He outlined specific limitations and design requirements proposed for council consideration: "Only one ADU per single family lot," ADUs may be attached or detached but "must be accessed from main street (in front), not from the alley," ADUs "cannot contain more than one bedroom," and each ADU "must be serviced by the same water, sewer and electric utility providers and meters as the primary house (no separate meters)." These items were presented as options for staff to pursue if the council gives direction.
The presentation also flagged a potential setback change to allow tighter placement of ADUs, listing a proposal to lower side setbacks "from 7' to 5' or 3'" to increase siting flexibility. Council discussion focused on how such changes would affect property design, utility service and compliance with existing property maintenance requirements; Dr. Johnson noted ADUs would be required to meet the same design standards as the principal dwelling and that the primary house must meet minimum property/building maintenance standards before an ADU could be approved.
The session was framed as exploratory: the council opened B.1 for discussion and asked staff for further work rather than adopting a new ordinance. The meeting minutes record that the council discussed the items and adjourned; any formal zoning or code amendments would require subsequent meetings and formal votes.
