Commission readies code language for ADUs as state law takes effect Oct. 1; public hearing set for Sept. 3
Summary
Commissioners and staff said Carroll County will publish proposed code changes for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) ahead of a Sept. 3 public hearing so something is in place before the state law takes effect Oct. 1; staff noted the county can revise local code after an Attorney General opinion is received.
During commission member reports Aug. 18, a commissioner raised questions about how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) would apply on agricultural land and said the county has not yet received a formal opinion from the Attorney General.
The meeting record shows commissioners and staff are treating Oct. 1 as a firm state effective date: "The law goes into effect in the state on October 1st," a commissioner said, and staff told the commission a public hearing on three related code amendments (ADUs, age‑restricted housing, cluster subdivisions) is scheduled for Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. in the same meeting room. Staff advised publishing recommended code language in time for the hearing and said the county can adopt a code that will later be amended if the Attorney General issues clarifying guidance after Oct. 1.
Staff emphasized the county can put interim safeguards in place prior to the state effective date and then refine local regulations based on the Attorney General's opinion. Commissioners asked for clarity about how ADUs interact with rural legacy, county easement programs and other land‑use tools; staff said they would continue coordination with state and agricultural program partners and provide updates to the commission ahead of the public hearing.
The Sept. 3 hearing will include the three draft code amendments and allow written comments to the Board of County Commissioners; staff encouraged attendance or submission of written comments ahead of the commissioners' planned decision date Sept. 17.
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