Toccoa Looking At Defining Accessory Dwellings

The Toccoa City Commission is getting ready to consider whether to add language to its zoning ordinance that would officially define accessory dwellings on residential properties.

City commissioners looked at proposed language for a definition at a work session last week upon the recommendation of the Toccoa Planning Commission.

Toccoa City Manager Billy Morse said the issue came up as the result of comments from a citizen and the Planning Commission decided the issue needed clarification as a result.

“The Planning Department has allowed accessory dwellings for the same lot for single-family homes for as long as I can remember,” said Morse. “Examples of this are mother-in-law suites, garage apartments, pool houses, that sort of thing. Up until now, we have not had a definition of accessory dwelling so that is what they have studied and are recommending.”

Under the proposed definition, an accessory dwelling would be defined as an accessory structure to a dwelling, single-family attached or detached that meets a number of standards.

The proposed guidelines would allow an accessory dwelling to be located in a second floor over a detached garage or as a separate structure.

Other proposed standards include having no more than one accessory dwelling per lot, complying with all health code and building standards, being located only within the rear yard, complying with all existing minimum setback requirements for the residential property, complying with all minimum lot area standards already in the city’s zoning rules, having no separate utility accounts, and limiting the size to 960 square feet with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and one kitchen.

Toccoa Planning Director Connie Tabor said the city consulted neighboring communities when writing the proposed language.

Toccoa City Commissioner Gail Fry said there is one area she had a question about.

“If somebody had a long, narrow lot like this table and they did not have room in the back, but they had room on the side and it was nice, they would not be allowed to do it because it has to be in the back,” said Fry.

No changes were made to the proposal at last week’s work session.

City commissioners are expected to have a public hearing on the proposed ordinance change at their meeting on Monday.