Committee reviews ADU ordinance and cottage-industry rules tied to state ADU mandate

Stephanie Jones, representing Planning & Zoning, presented Text Amendment 26-15, which includes two primary elements: proposed cottage-industry regulations for the Agricultural district and proposed accessory-dwelling-unit (ADU) rules required by recent state legislation. Jones said the cottage-industry proposal would allow businesses with "up to 15 employees" to operate from residential properties in the Ag district subject to size and other limits.

On ADUs, Jones explained the county is required to adopt regulations under state law (House Bill 1466 and Senate Bill 891). The draft ordinance would permit ADUs up to "75% of the primary dwelling's size," establish setbacks, height limits and parking requirements, and leave the local decision about permitting short-term rentals to the county. Members were asked to provide comments by the following Monday and staff proposed forming subcommittees to review the legislation in detail.