Residents urge clearer language as Manti council reviews accessory‑dwelling rules

The Manti City Council on April 15 held a public hearing on proposed revisions to the city's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance, fielding comments that praised the changes but urged clearer wording so future permit decisions are consistent.

The mayor summarized the draft's main edits, saying the purpose section was shortened, provisions for detached ADUs were rearranged and language on conversions, second‑story height and balcony restrictions was added. The revised ordinance was posted and available at the city office for review.

"I'm in support of an ADU if people meet the guidelines," resident Shannon Miller told the council, adding she appreciated the planning commission and staff for "rewriting and fine tuning" the ordinance to make it work for property owners and to respect historic properties.

John Bellin, who said he is working on a specific project that prompted the review, asked the council to record its intent for how permits should be interpreted so property owners know, in practical terms, whether a proposed conversion will comply. "The intent of the ordinance and the interpretation of the ordinance are two separate things," he said.

Several other commenters said parts of the draft could be read multiple ways and requested opportunities to meet with city staff (the city planner or city manager) for clarification before the council takes a final vote. One participant asked the council to consider how the ordinance affects owners restoring historic homes.

A commenter who had reviewed the state statute on ADUs told the council the statute treats an ADU as incidental to a single‑family property and suggested the draft explicitly address the applicability of utility impact or connection fees. Council discussion confirmed previous local studies of water, sewer and power impacts exist; staff and council agreed clarifying whether connection or impact fees apply should be addressed in the ordinance or fee schedule.

Council members urged the public to submit specific suggested edits before the May meeting, which the mayor said is the target for taking the ordinance to a vote. The hearing was closed after public comment and the council reserved further discussion and technical clarifications for staff and the planning commission.

The next steps: staff will review requested clarifications and proposed language changes; the council expects to consider a final vote on the ADU ordinance at its May meeting.