03/14/2006: "CC To Start Work On ADU Ordinance"

The County Council will hold a "work session" today (3-14-06) at 2:00 P.M. to review a proposed ordinance that will amend the San Juan County Code regarding ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). The agenda does not make it clear if the review will involve only the original draft ordinance that the Council sent to the PC (Planning Commission) for their review and comment, or if they will start to draft a new ordinance now that the PC has rejected the draft ordinance as too complex and unworkable. (Past Story)

The PC has drafting a proposal that, for all intents and purposes, prohibits all guest houses, but allows duplexes to be constructed (and rented out) pretty much anywhere in the county, so long as the attached second living area does not exceed 800 square feet -including roof overhangs, and any connections to the house. While the general public may know this concept as a duplex, the PC sees them as "attached ADUs". (Past Story)

How the public will respond to the ignoring of their past advisory vote that expressed a clear majority was in favor of allowing guest houses, as long as there was some control and restrictions on them, should become apparent once the public hearings begin on the subject