For years, Powell residents have asked city officials if they can add a mother-in-law suite to their property or convert their garage into an apartment, and the answer has been, “No.”

But that could soon change.

The Powell City Council has given preliminary approval to a set of ordinances that would allow “accessory dwelling units” in much of the city. 

City Administrator Zack Thorington said allowing the accessory units could help with local housing, covering everything from suites for family members to potential rentals.

The council unanimously endorsed the proposed changes at its Aug. 4 meeting.

“I think it’s the right way to go,” said Mayor John Wetzel.

According to the ordinance text, the city’s general aim is to both “increase housing options and protect the character of residential neighborhoods.”

The units would be subject to limitations — they can be no bigger than 800 square feet and only 75% of the size of the primary residence (whichever is smaller), no taller than the main residence and have no more than two bedrooms. They also can’t be used for businesses, with the exception of low-impact “home occupations,” and the owner must live on the property for at least 180 days per year.

There are numerous properties around town that already have two dwellings, but they generally predated the city’s zoning regulations and are grandfathered in.

Over the past decade, City Building Official Ben Hubbard said he’s been approached by multiple community members who were interested in adding secondary units to their own properties. Though current city code allows duplexes in most areas, it does not allow detached accessory units. As a result, Hubbard recalled how one owner had to build an enclosed connector between what was effectively an accessory unit and the main residence in order to comply with the code.

“The community is what drove it,” Hubbard said of the proposed changes. 

City Attorney Alexa Rolin added that the changes will create better guidelines for both city staff and the community.

“This does answer a big question that’s been asked by the public through the years,” Thorington said.

Under the draft ordinances, the units can include things like basement apartments, converted garages or stand-alone structures; they can be attached to the main residence or wholly separate. Mobile homes, RVs and “temporary structures” do not qualify.

Additionally, there can be no more than two dwellings per lot, so a property owner can’t, say, add a tiny house alongside a duplex. The owner must also provide at least one parking space for the unit (two if it’s over 400 square feet).

The accessory dwelling units would be permitted in the zones that already allow duplexes: general residential/general residential restricted, residential mixed use and limited industrial.

Before it endorsed the changes, the Powell Planning and Zoning Commission held a July 28 public hearing that drew no comments and the council’s Aug. 4 public hearing also had no commenters. Wetzel mused that news coverage might drum up more interest.

The ordinances face two more readings before the council, with an opportunity for public comment at each. The second reading is tentatively set for Monday’s meeting.