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Commission split on lot‑size gateway for detached ADUs; staff urges cautious start
Summary
Commissioners debated whether to match the state's 11,000 sq ft minimum or lower it (10,000 or 8,000) to broaden eligibility; staff favored adopting the state minimum to pilot implementation and refine enforcement before expanding.
A central point of contention during the ADU discussion was the threshold for detached ADUs: whether Sandy should adopt the state‑minimum 11,000 square‑foot lot threshold or set a lower bar to allow more homeowners to build detached units.
Several commissioners said they favored expanding eligibility and proposed lower thresholds (10,000 or 8,000 sq ft) or special allowances on larger parcels, arguing construction costs and lot configurations make ADUs less feasible in certain areas. Others — and city planning staff — recommended beginning with the state‑mandated minimum so the city can monitor implementation and avoid the problems some other cities encountered by moving too quickly.
Staff noted that costs, enforcement resources, and unintended consequences (including fast, ill‑regulated builds in other jurisdictions) argue for a cautious, phased approach. After extended discussion the commission did not finalize a change; commissioners requested staff prepare alternative language that could allow additional units on much larger lots (for example, a 20,000 sq ft or larger lot allowance to permit an internal and a detached ADU) and to return recommended options at the Aug. 20 meeting.
