Planning commission warns code changes coming as state requires allowance of accessory dwelling units

Members of the Waverly Planning and Zoning Commission discussed on July 3 forthcoming code changes after state law required cities to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Commissioners said the state directive is broad and that the city’s current code does not clearly define ADUs. Staff and commissioners talked through questions including whether ADUs must be permanently occupiable dwellings under local building codes, whether they could be separate addresses, and whether temporary structures such as RVs would qualify. Staff noted that if an accessory unit is treated as an additional dwelling, building-code requirements and setbacks would apply and that an RV parked in a backyard would not meet occupiable-building standards.

Commissioners asked staff to track the council’s forthcoming ordinance changes and to schedule review by the planning commission so members can assess how to incorporate ADU rules into local code. The city’s next council meeting was identified as part of the process; commissioners were advised to be prepared to review draft language and to consider factors such as parking, utility connections, and occupancy standards.

The discussion was framed as an early warning and preparatory step; no formal motion or regulatory change occurred at the July 3 meeting.