BEND, OR -- Bend City Councilors held a final public hearing on proposed code changes regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as "granny flats" or "in-law suites."
Much of Wednesday night's discussion focused on neighbor notification if a resident plans an ADU, although there was not enough support to add a rule to notify neighbors.
Mayor Jim Clinton explained at the meeting, “The way this proposed ordinance reads is that an ADU on property that is 6,000-square feet or less shall not exceed 600 [square feet]. And so if the lot is bigger than 6,000 [square feet], then they can jump up to 800 [square feet].”
The council also stuck with Planning Commission recommendations for parking, and the elimination of a conditional use permit to a Type-1 permit process. The driving force behind the ADU code change is the desire for more affordable housing in Bend. This was the first reading of the new ordinance.