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Commission debates ADU technical rules: entrances, setbacks, occupancy and required plans
Summary
Commissioners asked staff to clarify whether detached and attached ADUs would be treated differently, whether separate entrances or exterior stairs would be required, and what plan and permit documentation applicants must submit; staff said the draft applies special-use review to all ADU types and that applicants must provide architectural elevations and entrances will be reviewed case-by-case under building codes.
During deliberations on the ADU text amendment, commissioners sought detail on technical standards and application submittal requirements.
Commissioner Gercken asked whether detached ADUs should follow the same setback standards as a primary structure; staff replied that the draft removes numeric setbacks so the Commission may review setbacks case-by-case through the special-use process. Commissioner Burchert raised concerns that basement ADUs should have a separate entrance and that over-garage ADUs might require exterior stairs, and asked what architectural documentation would be required. ACM/DCD Cole acknowledged the ordinance relies on existing building-code permit requirements and offered to add explicit cross-references to those requirements in the ADU text; the Commission directed staff to include building-permit and architect-prepared-plan references in the ordinance language.
DDCD Jordan Ellena cited the International Property Maintenance Code occupancy standard, explaining that it “requires a minimum of 200 square feet for the first occupant and 100 additional square feet for each additional occupant,” which staff said would help screen out oversized or overly dense proposals. Staff also said applicants will be required to submit detailed plans, including elevations and entrance locations, prepared by a design professional so the Commission can meaningfully evaluate proposals rather than acting on vague concepts.
Commissioners emphasized that the ordinance should not duplicate building-code technical requirements but must make those requirements visible within the ADU review process so applicants and reviewers are aligned.
