UNION COUNTY — Amid a growing need for housing throughout Eastern Oregon, Union County is looking at accessory dwelling units as a possible piece of the larger solution.

The Union County Board of Commissioners voted 2-1 on July 17 in favor of allowing applications to build the accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in four rural residential zones. The vote followed the first public hearing on the topic, at which residents voiced various opinions and concerns around adding additional housing in rural areas. Commissioners Matt Scarfo and Paul Anderes voted in favor of the ordinance at the first reading, citing the need for more housing.

“We do have a housing crisis,” Scarfo said.

Ordinance 22403 would amend the county’s zoning ordinance to allow landowners within the four zones — R-1 Rural Center Zone, R-2 Rural Residential Zone, R-3 Farm Residential Zone and R-4 Forest Residential Zone — to build accessory dwelling units on their property after going through conditional use review with the planning commission. (An accessory dwelling unit is a small, self-contained residence on the same property as a primary residence.)

Property owners who want to build an ADU will have to submit an application, according to Planning Director Scott Hartell. Any adjacent landowners will be notified and have the opportunity to attend a public hearing on the topic.

“I have faith in the planning commission to review those applications,” Scarfo said.

Senate Bill 644

The amendment to the zoning is allowed under Senate Bill 644, which was passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2023. The bill allows property owners to construct one ADU on land zoned for rural residential. However, a number of requirements must be met. For example, the bill outlines that the parcel must be at least 2 acres and is required to have a single-family dwelling on the lot. The ADU is limited to 900 square feet of usable floor space and cannot be located more than 100 feet from the existing dwelling.

Additionally, the ADU also must comply with all applicable laws or regulations about sanitation and wastewater. Property owners can opt to rent out the ADU, but the dwelling cannot be used as a vacation rental. (A full list of requirements is listed within the bill).

Residents speak out

Residents from across the county filled the Misener Room to share their opinions on ADUs. While a handful of landowners spoke positively about the prospect of allowing accessory dwelling units, the majority of residents in attendance were opposed to the county OK’ing ADUs in rural residential zones.

Many of these property owners echoed similar concerns in regards to adding additional housing within their community. Residents expressed worries about ADUs overburdening the water table, straining existing infrastructure and increasing fire risk in the area.

Some property owners also spoke about wanting to maintain the rural look and feel of Union County. These residents wanted to make it clear that they had chosen to buy property and live where they do, so it was important to them to retain the rural characteristics of the area.

Need for housing

Other residents pointed to the fact that ADUs could help address the need for housing in the county. This sentiment was echoed by both Scarfo and Anderes — the latter of whom pointed specifically to the need for workforce housing.

Commissioner Donna Beverage agreed that there is a housing crisis. However, she did not believe that the situation was desperate enough at this time for her to vote in favor of the ordinance.

There will be a second reading of the ordinance during the commission’s regular session meeting on Aug. 21. After receiving a staff report, commissioners have the opportunity to discuss the ordinance further before voting on the issue a second time.