Senate Bill 1051 (SB 1051)

This bill requires that Eugene allow in areas zoned for detached single-family dwellings at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for each detached single-family dwelling, subject to reasonable local regulations relating to siting and design. 

Prior to July 2018 Eugene allowed ADUs in all areas zoned low density residential (R1). As of July 1, 2018 Eugene, changed its code to allow ADUs in all zones where single-family homes were permitted.

However, the City carried forward the regulations used in the R1 zone to the other zones. This led to an appeal by the Home Builder’s Association, which was later remanded to the City for review. 

The City has reviewed the ADU regulations and is in the process of writing a new ordinance to comply with SB 1051. A public hearing is tentatively scheduled for May 20, 2019at 7:30 pm.The Council is scheduled to review the new ordinance in work sessions June 10 and 24, 2019. Here are some key points that came out of the Council’s review of the remanded ordinance.

• Owner occupancy will be droppedfrom the new ordinance. It is unclear if this will just apply to the new zones where ADUs will be allowed or also to the R1 zone.
  • Dropping owner occupancy will motivate absentee and out of area investors who want to rent both the single-family house and the ADU. Potential uses (especially in areas near the University) will be:
    • Student rentals
    • Airbnb’s
• Minimum lot size and maximum density will remain in the ordinance (but would be affected by House Bill 2001 (HB 2001)).
• Parking requirements will remain in the ordinance but may be eliminated as part of HB 2001.

Written testimony is always best so become familiar with SB 1051 and its implications and write the Mayor and City Council with your concerns. (See link at the end of this summary) Also check out the Owner Occupancy write up by Eben Fodor attached.