During the Oct. 7 public comment period, Oro Valley resident Luke Kiepert asked the Planning and Zoning Commission to amend the town's zoning code to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) located between the primary house and the front lot line in R1-300 zoned properties to have attached garages.

"So specifically my request is to amend paragraph 25 dot 2 dot 8 dot 2 of the zoning code to allow for ADUs located in the front yard of R1300 zone properties to have an attached garage," Kiepert said, identifying himself as a resident of about 10 years.

Kiepert told commissioners that the code currently prohibits an attached garage or carport for an ADU that is between the main house and the front lot line, while another section of the code permits detached accessory buildings in R1-300 front yards subject to limits. He said the detached-building rule allows up to two accessory structures, each not larger than 2,000 square feet and not exceeding 10% of the front yard area. He argued that allowing one combined structure (an ADU with an attached garage) is more visually appealing and an efficient use of land compared with multiple detached buildings.

Kiepert added that R1-300 zoning has a minimum lot size of roughly 300,000 square feet (about 6.9 acres) and that his requested change would not increase residential density on such large lots. He provided a one-page summary to staff at the meeting.

The comment was recorded in the meeting minutes but no motion or formal action was taken on the request Oct. 7. The commission did not discuss or vote on the proposed ADU amendment during the meeting; public comments were made during the call-to-audience portion of the agenda.