16 - Accessory Residential Dwelling Units

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Item No. 16 memorandum TO: Mayor & Council FROM: John Godwin, City Manager SUBJECT: ACCESSORY RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNITS DATE: January 8, 2019 BACKGROUND: Section 13 of the zoning ordinance regulates accessory buildings within the city. Unfortunately, although it includes a brief definition and area regulations for such structures, it does not directly address accessory dwelling units, yet indirectly prohibits accessory dwellings in residential districts. Subordinate buildings are allowed in all other zoning districts. The commission previously discussed the desirability of allowing accessory dwelling units in residential areas, and in response the staff drafted an ordinance that was discussed at the commission's December meeting. STATUS OF ISSUE: The attached ordinance is intended to provide the opportunity for accessory residential dwelling units, while at the same time implementing certain restrictions. The ordinance addresses lot size, zoning districts, setbacks, utility and metering restrictions, relations of occupants to property owners, site planning, building lines, maximum height, structure size, building materials, and parking. Since the December meeting, based on commission input I also restricted placement of a separate driveway, and limited the size of the accessory to no more than 35% the size of the primary dwelling. The planning and zoning commission met and conducted a public hearing on this ordinance on January 7. No one spoke for or against the ordinance. The commission recommended approval by a vote of 6-1. RECOMMENDATION: Approve the attached ordinance.