Council studies rental unit issue

Roxanne / of The Herald

At its study session this week, the Sumner City Council continued to discuss the details of a proposed ordinance that would set more specific guidelines for accessory dwelling units, also known as “mother-in-law apartments.”

The ordinance would provide more detailed design standards for the units, including height, setback and window placements, said Senior Planner Ryan Windish. It would allow for a basement in units as well as subdivision of detached units. The ordinance would also limit accessory dwelling units to single story and allow for a reduction in setbacks — space between the unit and property lines — in certain residential zones.

Council members postponed their vote on the ordinance at last week’s regular meeting so that it could be further discussed at Monday’s study session. Several members of the council still had concerns about parking, side yard setbacks and the potential for accessory dwelling units to be converted into rental units.

During the study session, Windish presented a memo with suggested changes to the ordinance, including modifications to parking requirements and some additional information council members had requested.

The ordinance currently allows for one parking space per accessory dwelling unit. Council members were concerned that more spaces should be required because otherwise parking would overflow onto the street and take up neighbors’ back-up street parking.

“We need to make sure we keep cars off the street,” said Councilman Matt Richardson.

With Windish’s suggested changes, the council decided it was more logical to have two spaces required for accessory dwelling units 800 square feet or larger. Units smaller than 800 square feet would only require one space.

Council also discussed how big a lot must be before it can be allowed a detached accessory dwelling unit. Councilmember Randy Hynek suggested amending the ordinance so that a lot must be at least 12,000 square feet before a unit can be detached.

“I think that makes sense,” Richardson said.

Livability is the issue here, he pointed out. Allowing a detached unit in a smaller lot would mean increased crowding and decreased livability.

Next on the agenda: side yard setbacks. The council wanted to avoid detached units to be too close to property lines so that neighbors don’t feel “peered down upon.”

Councilmember Steve Allsop suggested 5 feet of setback for single-story accessory dwelling units and 10 feet for a “story and a half,” or a unit that sits atop a garage.

A few council members wondered out loud what would happen when a home with an accessory dwelling unit was put up for sale. There’s a chance that the future owner may choose to rent out that unit.

Councilwoman Cindi Hochstatter pointed out that “rental” isn’t a bad word, and some people may be in need of rental units. It’s not fair to take that opportunity away, she said.

Hynek responded that rentals aren’t being attacked — but if rental units continue to be added to the city, it would create an imbalance in the amount of rentals versus single-family residences.

“It’s not an issue of rental units; it’s an issue of balance,” he said.

Mayor Dave Enslow reminded council at this point that a lot of time has already been dedicated to accessory dwelling units. He asked the council if they’d be ready to vote at the next meeting — the majority felt comfortable.

Windish took down council’s suggested changes, which will be made into amendments to the proposed ordinance and voted on at a regular council meeting.

Currently, property owners can build accessory dwelling units, but the ordinance offers more specifics. The city council is revisiting accessory dwelling units after putting the issue on hold last August.