Public Hearing Date set for Accessory Dwellings

Accessory dwelling units have been considered by both the Planning Commission and the Town Council as a way of “adding diversity to the housing stock, and providing affordable housing options.”  Currently, the zoning ordinance prohibits such units. While that disconnect needs to be reconciled, the staff is bringing the matter forward for review should such units be made a legal land use option.

The proposed text amendments state the following: 1) accessory dwelling units are a conditional use, not a by right use; 2) accessory dwelling units must be part of an accessory building; 3) accessory dwelling units may have a separate water\sewer\trash account from the main structure and are billed accordingly; 4) accessory dwelling units have a separate entrance from the accessory building’s entrance; 5) accessory dwelling units must meet all building, fire, and residential code requirements.

A public hearing has been set for September 17, 2018.

proposed text amendments state the following: 1) accessory dwelling units are a conditional use, not a by right use;

2) accessory dwelling units must be part of an accessory building;

3) accessory dwelling units may have a separate water\sewer\trash account from the main structure and are billed
accordingly;

4) accessory dwelling units have a separate entrance from the accessory building’s entrance;

5)accessory dwelling units must meet all building, fire, and residential code requirements. The following specifics should be remembered as well:
– Accessory dwelling units are not synonymous with tiny houses, all dwelling units are still by way of “accessory” use to a garage, workshop, or other secondary use of the main structure residential
dwelling.
– Accessory dwelling units are by conditional use only and need to meet all zoning ordinance requirements of a conditional use.
– Accessory dwelling units must conform to all relevant building, fire, and property maintenance code regulations.
– Accessory dwelling units length of stay period for occupants aligns with the terms identified in the Town’s current transient occupancy tax and building code regulations.
– Water\sewer\trash monthly fee – All accessory dwelling units shall be billed as a water\sewer\trash account separate from the account for the main structure and shall pay the minimum monthly account fee as set by Town Council.
-Water meter option – An accessory dwelling unit may have a separate water meter from that of the main structure upon request by the property owner. If so requested the property owner shall pay all water and sewer utility connection fees as set by the Town Council. Metered accessory dwelling units will receive a water\sewer bill based on the metered use, but not less than the minimum monthly account fee.
– Trashcan – All accessory dwelling units shall have a separate trash can provided by the contract waste disposal company.
-Inspections – All accessory dwelling units shall be inspected annually not later than fifteen (15) days from the anniversary date of the conditional use permit is approved by Town Council.