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Councilmember Balch noted there were only 15 second-story ADUs approved over the past decade; <br /> that the State is looking to allow for the complete remaking of residential properties without any local <br /> oversight and that allowing for an ADU might avert the need for this. He advised ADUs are the lowest- <br /> impact solution for additional housing in the community and allowing second-story ADUs has helped <br /> meet the community's housing challenges. He said he has received community feedback supporting <br /> second-story ADUs. <br /> Councilmember Balch restated a January 19th comment from Mayor Brown that there are some good <br /> and some bad second-floor ADUs. He advised he agrees with both this and her notion of the concerns <br /> of neighbors being real. <br /> Councilmember Balch expressed support for second-story ADUs with objective design standards. He <br /> believes objective design standards can strike a balance between the need for neighborly privacy with <br /> the need for a more consistent architecturally designed ADUs while preserving as much on-site parking <br /> as possible. Eliminating second-floor ADUs can exacerbate parking issues because homeowners will <br /> now look to build ground-level units. He added it could eliminate owners of smaller lots from having an <br /> ADU, which he believes is disingenuous. The State could interpret this restriction as being outside the <br /> spirit of the law and could be challenged <br /> Mayor Brown expressed support of ADUs and would like to see new construction come with ADUs <br /> calling the Walnut Hills model a wonderful solution to help affordable housing. She commented those <br /> ADUs look like they belong as opposed to being unattractive expansions. <br /> Councilmember Arkin commented she would like to strike the balance of allowing ADUs while <br /> preserving the character of neighborhoods. <br /> In response to Councilmember Arkin's inquiries, Director Clark confirmed the City has to allow two-story <br /> ADUs up to 16 feet and the height threshold would not apply if an existing structure is converted into an <br /> ADU. She also confirmed owner-occupancy cannot be required for ADUs approved from 2020-25 but <br /> the City can enforce previously-existing deed restrictions. <br /> In response to Councilmember Arkin's inquiry, City Attorney Dan Sodergren clarified any modifications <br /> to the ordinance would have to come back to Council for final adoption. <br /> In response to Councilmember Balch's inquiry. City Attorney Sodergren advised he has no issue with <br /> the language change from "any" to "all." <br /> Councilmember Arkin moved to approve ADUs greater than 16 feet in new PUDs, corner lot setbacks, <br /> landscape screening, ADU pre-approved designs, the two changes from "any" to "all," second story <br /> approvals limited to 16 feet except where mandated by law, adopting the State's 850 and 1,000 square <br /> foot restrictions. and continuing to enforce existing owner-occupancy requirements and add an <br /> exemption to the size restrictions for conversions of existing spaces. Councilemember Arkin seconded <br /> the motion. <br /> Councilmember Narum advised she could not support grandfathering the owner-occupancy <br /> requirement due to the inconsistency and lack of fairness. She supports attached second-story ADUs; <br /> the 1,000 square foot limit, and the specific design criteria for ADU conversions over garages, including <br /> windowsill height and placement, and a 12-month review of the process. <br /> Mayor Brown advised the current window with no grandfather clause relative to owner-occupancy is <br /> due to state law and the City should not feel obligated to change their own if not required. <br /> Councilmember Arkin agreed to add a 12-month City Council review to her motion. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 9 of 16 February 16. 2021 <br />