Goodland commission previews zoning changes on accessory structures, ADUs and hospital uses

City staff introduced proposed amendments to Goodland’s residential zoning on March 18, presenting two draft ordinances that would update rules for R-1 and R-2 districts, accessory structures and multi-family occupancy.

Staff said the main questions include whether to limit accessory structures to two per lot, how to manage ADUs (accessory dwelling units) including whether ADU occupancy should be capped differently from the main dwelling, and whether hospitals should remain permitted in residential zones without additional public hearings. Staff discussed tying occupancy limits to the International Property Maintenance Code’s room-size standards rather than a fixed number of unrelated occupants.

Staff emphasized the texts are preliminary and will be sent to the planning commission for public hearings and more detailed discussion. "If we allow ADUs, do we need to rethink our definition of what a family is considered for number of people that can live somewhere," a staff member said, explaining the department could use the adopted International Property Maintenance Code to apply square-footage-based occupancy limits.

Commissioners responded with practical concerns about enforceability and whether ADUs should be smaller than primary dwellings. The planning commission was scheduled to review the drafts next week, after which the staff said it would return recommended text amendments to the city commission for official action.