The Fremont County Board of Commissioners are set to make a decision at their Tuesday meeting on whether to permit Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) on properties in the county. The Commissioners tabled the issue at their November 24th meeting last fall after hearing opposition from the Penrose area. The ADU proposal came forward as a way to provide alternative and affordable housing if property owners have large enough lots to construct living space adjacent to their primary residence.
The Penrose Water District and Beaver Park Water opposed the ADU amendment saying their districts do not have enough water to support an increase in density. The amendment that comes back before the Commissioners at Tuesday morning’s meeting will hopefully resolve that issue. The amended language requires the property owner to show “Written proof from the appropriate entity or service provider that water and sewer/septic services are adequate for all uses on the parcel.” Because some Penrose residents may have their own water wells it would permit them to pursue an ADU while Penrose Water District customers would have to get written approval from the district to proceed.
The rest of the amendment would still permit two residences on a single parcel that is a minimum of one acre in size. The ADU could be no larger than 1,000 square feet, have no more than two bedrooms, and only one bathroom. The ADU’s would share utilities with the primary residence. The property owner would also be required to reside in one of the residences. Over the years county officials have heard requests from property owners who wanted to construct living space next to their primary residence so that might care for aging parents or provide space for other family members.
The ADU amendment is on the agenda for reconsideration at the Board of Commissioners meeting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 9th, at the Fremont County Administration Building.