Planning Commission backs ADU code changes with clarifications and conversion path

The Planning Commission voted to forward a positive recommendation to City Council for a set of code amendments to allow detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) consistent with state law (SB 84). Staff presented the draft ordinance and commissioners proposed several modifications addressing entrances on corner lots, permitted connections (breezeways or non‑habitable links), exterior lighting language, minimum lot size, and clearer conversion rules for legal existing accessory structures built inside standard setbacks.

Melissa Anderson, presenting the draft, said the state law becomes effective October 1 and requires cities to allow detached ADUs on residential lots meeting the statute. "The new state law is effective October 1," she told the commission, and outlined the draft standards: owner‑occupancy affidavits, a special‑use/permit path combined with building permit review, parking minimums that reduce near transit, and a one‑rental limit per lot. Commissioners pressed staff on conversion of existing accessory structures that are closer than the proposed 10‑foot habitable setback; commissioners directed staff to craft clear language that would allow conversions of legal pre‑existing accessory buildings by designating the portion within the required setback as non‑habitable (storage/closet) while allowing the remaining habitable portion to meet ADU standards and building code.

Public commenters emphasized affordability and asked staff to reduce lot‑size thresholds and bureaucratic hurdles. Todd Vanderlinden told the commission his 0.5‑acre lot includes an existing 936 sq ft garage with 7 ft setbacks and 17 ft height and asked for a realistic path to convert without demolishing the building. "Under Sandy's current proposal, my detached garage will not qualify for an ADU due to setbacks in height," Vanderlinden said, urging a conversion pathway that preserves existing footprints where possible. Commissioners agreed to recommend a lower minimum lot size (10,000 sq ft) for detached units and to include findings directing staff to further refine conversion language before council consideration.