Elizabeth commission backs 150% accessory-building limit

The Elizabeth Planning Commission recommended Aug. 4 that the Board of Trustees reject Ordinance 26-11, which would remove the proportionality cap for accessory buildings, and approve Ordinance 26-12, which would allow one accessory building to reach 150% of the principal home’s footprint. The motion passed with one opposing vote; the record does not identify that commissioner or provide a full roll-call breakdown.

The changes would affect property owners seeking larger detached garages, shops or other buildings. The recorded hearing shows no public speakers or separate applicant presentation.

Under Ordinance 26-11, an accessory building could exceed the home’s footprint, while the existing 25% total-lot-coverage limit, height rules and setbacks would remain. Town staff opposed removing the proportionality cap, citing concerns that very large garages, shops or pole barns could alter neighborhood character and complicate enforcement against commercial activity in residential districts.

The staff-supported alternative, Ordinance 26-12, would raise the single-building limit from 100% to 150% of the home’s footprint. A home with a 1,600-square-foot footprint could have a 2,400-square-foot accessory building, if it met the other dimensional rules. The town staff memo gives a 40-by-60-foot structure as an example and says owners seeking larger buildings could request an exception from the Board of Adjustment.

During the hearing, a commissioner who described himself as a longtime farmer said tying building size to a relatively small home could disadvantage owners with larger land and equipment needs. Staff said the 150% approach would provide flexibility without allowing disproportionately large structures beside homes.

Both ordinances would exempt detached structures of 200 square feet or less from building permits if they contain no utilities. Accessory dwelling units would remain subject to separate requirements. The records do not estimate how many properties or projects would be affected.

The town’s official meeting calendar lists Board of Trustees meetings for Aug. 11 at 6:30 p.m. and Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. An Aug. 19 special meeting is identified in the town’s event notice as an executive session. None of the public listings reviewed places either ordinance on an agenda, so the date of Board consideration remains unverified.

If adopted, either ordinance would take effect 30 days after publication, according to the staff memo. The Board has not yet taken action in the reporting record.