Commission approves renaming 'accessory dwelling unit' to 'secondary dwelling unit' and sets 800 sq ft cap

Wilson County planners and commissioners approved a resolution changing the zoning term "accessory dwelling unit" to "secondary dwelling unit," and setting the permitted maximum size at 800 square feet.

Staff explained the change addresses an internal conflict with the county's private act on Adequate Facilities Tax (AFT), which previously excluded accessory structures from the AFT calculation. Renaming the category to "secondary dwelling unit" will allow the county to apply the AFT to these units; staff said the AFT for a secondary dwelling unit is $5,000. During public comment, speakers asked for clarification about how the county measures floor area; planning staff said the county uses the interior perimeter of exterior walls (floor area), which includes corridors, stairs and closets.

Commissioners debated the square-foot cap as a compromise between previously debated figures (600 sq ft and 1,000 sq ft) and ultimately voted to approve the resolution and forward a positive recommendation to the county commission for final action.

The planning office will update application materials and guidance to reflect the new term, floor-area measurement, and AFT application prior to county-commission consideration.