Accessory dwelling unit expansion
Code changes allowing detached ADUs capped at 20 feet or the main house's height, with no minimum lot size and no USU buffer. The council adopted them 5-0 on October 1, 2024.
- Where it stands
- Approved
- Type
- Code change
- Location
- Citywide
- Applicant
- City of Logan
Every hearing and vote
August 17, 2021 · City Council
Accessory dwelling units, Ordinance 21-14 (workshop)
Discussed
Community Development Director Mike DeSimone said state law (HB 82) requires cities to allow accessory dwelling units in residential areas starting October 1, 2021. Staff opposed citywide units, citing student housing near Utah State University, over-occupancy and parking, and recommended starting in a limited area near downtown and reassessing in 24 months. The Planning Commission voted 7-0 on August 12 to recommend internal units only, in owner-occupied detached homes on lots of at least 6,000 square feet, with an extra parking space, no rentals under 30 days and a landlord license. Council members discussed occupancy, parking, enforcement and a boundary away from the university and agreed to narrow the regulations for now. The item returns for a hearing on September 7.
- Planning Commission: 7-0 recommendation to approve internal ADUs on August 12
- Lot size: at least 6,000 sq ft; owner-occupied detached single-family homes
September 7, 2021 · City Council
Accessory dwelling units, Ordinance 21-14 (public hearing)
Continued · 5-0
DeSimone recommended a limited start near downtown with a review in 24 months; the Planning Commission voted 7-0 on August 12 to recommend approval. Twelve residents spoke: several from Adams and Hillcrest asked for a large buffer around Utah State University, more parking or enforcement first; others from Lundstrom, Woodruff and Island supported units citywide or for student housing, and one said owner occupancy is what helps neighborhoods. Council Member Tom Jensen agreed to start small, Amy Anderson raised density and enforcement concerns and favored a small university buffer map, Ernesto López wanted more time, and Jeannie Simmonds described the complexity of a college town. The landlord license fee is $75 and the impact fee $1,300 per unit. The council continued the item to September 21 for action.
September 21, 2021 · City Council
Accessory dwelling units, Ordinance 21-14
Approved · 5-0
The Planning Commission recommended approval 7-0 on August 12. Council Member Tom Jensen moved to adopt it with the small Utah State University buffer map (MC1), seconded by Amy Anderson; a second motion adopted that map with a review in 18 months. Ernesto López supported MC1 and Jeannie Simmonds supported the small buffer. City attorney's office said a deed-restriction idea needed closer review; DeSimone said a 12 to 18 month review was reasonable.
March 7, 2023 · City Council
Accessory dwelling units review
Discussed
DeSimone reported five internal accessory dwelling units permitted, one in review and no complaints under Ordinance 21-14. Simmonds favored keeping the current boundary; López asked for overcrowding data and Amy Anderson for detached unit guidelines. The council agreed to revisit the topic in March 2024. No vote.
June 4, 2024 · City Council
Accessory dwelling units discussion
Discussed
Community Development Director Mike DeSimone presented staff recommendations to allow detached accessory dwelling units, reduce or remove the Utah State University buffer and keep owner-occupancy and one parking stall requirements. Council members discussed separate metering (not permitted), short-term rentals in ADUs (not permitted), enforcement and parking. A draft code would go to the Planning Commission in August and return to the council around September. No vote.
September 3, 2024 · City Council
Workshop: home occupations, accessory dwelling units and short-term rentals, Ordinances 24-18 and 24-19, Resolution 24-36
Discussed
Staff previewed code amendments to Chapters 17.36 and 17.37 (recommended 7-0 by the Planning Commission), an ordinance exempting low-impact home occupations from business licensing with a $50 administrative fee for those that opt in, and a fee schedule. Action was set for September 17.
September 17, 2024 · City Council
Home occupations, accessory dwelling units and short-term rentals, Ordinance 24-18 (public hearing)
Continued · 4-1
Dozens of comments were received; many supported ADUs and short-term rentals while others opposed them or raised enforcement and neighborhood concerns. The council agreed to cap external ADU height at 20 feet and no taller than the main structure, eliminate the 6,000 square foot minimum lot, eliminate the USU buffer, set a 750-foot short-term rental spacing radius and allow 2 per 1,000 residents, then continued the ordinance to October 1 as an action item. The recorded roll call lists Council Member Simmonds as voting no, while the narrative text names Council Member Johnson, which should be checked against the minutes.
October 1, 2024 · City Council
Home occupations, accessory dwelling units and short-term rentals, Ordinance 24-18
Approved · 5-0
The council adopted the Chapter 17.36 and 17.37 amendments: external ADUs capped at the primary dwelling's height or 20 feet, whichever is lower; the 6,000 square foot minimum lot size removed; short-term rental spacing of 750 feet in residential zones with owner-occupied rentals exempt under conditions; and the residential cap cut from 3 to 2 per 1,000 residents. About 23 short-term rentals are legally licensed versus many unlicensed; Cache County's share is 4.4 percent. Members polled on banning short-term rentals in single-family zones: Council Member Simmonds favored a ban with an owner-occupied exception and Johnson supported that, López and Chair Anderson favored keeping them with limits, and Mark Anderson opposed a full ban.