09-21-1998 Planning Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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To: From: Date: ;0. B Ron Moorse, City Administrator Mayor Jabbour and Council Members Michael P. Gaffron June 6,1997 toI Subject: Policy Discussion - Plumbing In Accessory Structures Should Accessory Buildings Be Allowed Plumbing? The zoning code does not specifically prohibit plumbing in accessory buildings. Homeowners often wish to have plumbing in accessory buildings for typical single family residential uses such as potting sheds, yard maintenance equipment, workshops, art studios, home offices, washing cars, etc. as well as for other uses which require special permits (such as guest houses), or for uses which currently are not allowed in accessory buildings (such as home occupations). Because the incidence of plumbing in an accessory structure can lead to uses requiring special approval or which are not allowed, staff finds it difficult to respond to what seems like an ever- increasing number of requests for such plumbing, especially when it involves addition of a shower or toilet. In the past, the City has on a number of occasions forced the removal of plumbing from existing accessory buildings, allowing the homeowner to avoid paying a second sewer unit. This policy, when applied to new accessory buildings, suggests that such buildings should not have plumbing. Yet it may be perfectly reasonable to allow certain plumbing fixtures for certain residential uses, without such use constituting a second dwelling unit. Summary of Policy Issues 1. 2. 3. What plumbing fixtures should be allowed in an accessory building without Council review? At what level of plumbing does an accessory structure have the potential for secondary dwelling use or non-residential use? When is a restrictive covenant an appropriate alternative to a guest house CUP? Does Council wish to review/approve all restrictive covenant situations? 4.(Separate but related issue) Sewer unit assessment policy related to accessory buildings with plumbing.