Agenda - Planning Commission - 08/26/2021

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Chairperson Bauer stated that from a practical standpoint, his mother in-law has moved in with he and his wife. He noted that his brother in-law has college children that have moved back home as well. He stated that perhaps accessory dwelling units are brought back to the Commission for additional discussion. He noted that the proposed application would have the potential to use as a dwelling unit. City Planner Anderson stated that often times the intentions of the original applicant are very straightforward and they do not have intention as using it as living space but when the property changes hands or circumstances change, that opportunity arises without the understanding that the area was not intended to be used in that fashion. Commissioner Walker commented that in terms of sanitation he would consider a half bathroom which does not have a shower or bathroom as acceptable. He noted that living space would require a way to bathe or shower. He asked for clarification on why this ordinance prohibition exists. City Planner Anderson commented that the concern in the past has been in creating a multi -family setting in a single-family residential area. Chairperson Bauer noted that as proposed the application would include a full bathroom. Commissioner Anderson stated that as described it would appear that would be considered a home. He stated that it is not currently allowed as it would create a multi -family home in a single-family area. He noted that the Commission previously considered an application for an art studio that would include a shower that would allow them to clean-up before going into the house. He noted that previous request missed some of the other elements that define a dwelling unit or living space. He noted that as described this could be used as a house and he does not support multiple family living on a single property. Commissioner VanScoy stated that this appears to be a house with a tuck under garage. He stated that he looks at living space as a finished area that is insulated with lighting and heat which makes it livable. He stated that when he moved into his home, he had an office which was then converted to a bedroom for grandkids. He stated that this would be living space and noted that how someone uses it does not define the character. He stated that while he would love to have this garage himself, he does not believe it would be appropriate because of the number of proposed uses. He stated that regardless of whether the Commission wants to discuss whether the ordinance should be changed, he believes the interpretation of staff to be correct in that this would be defined as living space and would not be allowed. City Planner Anderson referenced the comment made related to sanitation and a half bath or three quarters bath and asked if the Commission has consensus on that interpretation. He noted that two of the four things could be included, and the space would not be defined as living space. He stated that most likely the applicant will want to modify their request to eliminate at least one of the criteria that defines an accessory dwelling. Planning Commission/ July 22, 2021 Page 17 of 22