Palouse works on amendment to allow for secondary homes

PALOUSE — Palouse continues working on a proposal to allow secondary homes, known as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

Before the city council can approve amending Municipal Code, Title 17, to allow construction of additional homes on property the planning commission is required to produce a findings of facts report and hold a public hearing before they can advance the proposal.

The report must include a “detailed rationale” for the proposed amendment, address public concerns,

Planning commission Chairman Michael Echanove spoke on the reasons the ADUs are being considered.

“(He) spoke to remind those in attendance of some of the reasons this amendment was being considered: to open opportunities for additional lower-cost and alternate housing, a source of rental income for homeowners, and improved companionship, access to caregivers and family members,” according to commission minutes.

Several emails were sent to the commission listing concerns. Commission member Liz Rousseau compiled the concerns into a list, which included allowing ADUs exacerbating street parking problems, snowplow access, construction density, “proliferation of rental properties,” concerns about water and sewer issues, and the number of dogs allowed on a property.

The public hearing is not scheduled nor is the findings of fact report completed.