Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules

At a glance

What: Proposed rules to allow one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per eligible lot in the R-10, R-7.5, RPH-6, GR-1 and GR-2 districts.
Where it stands: Council voted 7-0 on September 14, 2026 to remove the ADU provisions (subsection 6.4.28) from Unified Development Ordinance Amendment for further review.
Next: Staff supported sending revised ADU provisions back to the Planning Commission. No date is set.

Smaller attached, internal or detached units for aging in place, multigenerational living, caregivers and returning adult children.
Not usable as short-term rentals. The owner must live in either the main house or the ADU. One extra parking space per ADU. Sheds and mobile homes do not qualify.
Staff said rental compliance could be watched through online advertising and the business license inspector.

A council member said the draft went beyond family use by allowing two independent households and possible long-term rental to an unrelated tenant. Questions covered density, neighborhood character, parking, water and sewer capacity, stormwater, emergency access, owner-occupancy checks and enforcement after the certificate of occupancy.
Councilwoman Rainey moved the removal and Councilman Alexander seconded.
A resident told Council on August 10 that ADUs also serve multigenerational families, describing an attached space for a parent, and asked that any rules allow that with limits such as no long-term income use or subdivision.
The City Attorney said Council could postpone the ADU section indefinitely, refer it to the Planning Commission, or split the question.

ADU provisions removed 7-0.

Staff presentation; concerns raised; options laid out by the City Attorney.

A resident spoke on multigenerational housing during public comment.