Rutherford College approves construction of accessory dwelling units

The Rutherford College Town Council on Monday night approved an amendment to town zoning ordinances which will permit the building of accessory dwelling units on the same lots as single family homes.

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is defined as a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a stand-alone (i.e., detached) single-family home.

The Town Planning Board had earlier recommended approval of the zoning amendment in order to allow more diverse housing options and provide the ability for homeowners to build an additional unit on their lots.

The approval came with the following stipulations:

(A) Accessory dwelling units shall be located on a lot that complies with the minimum area and width requirements of the zoning district in which it is located.

(B) Accessory dwellings shall only be located in the side or rear yard of the principal dwelling and must meet applicable setbacks.

(C) Accessory dwelling units must adhere to the maximum permitted height requirement for the zoning district.

(D) One accessory dwelling unit is permitted per lot as an accessory to a detached single-family residence.

(E) Unless the accessory dwelling unit is accessed from a different road or street than the principal structure, the accessory dwelling unit must share a driveway with the principal structure.

(F) Accessory dwelling units shall have a separate means of access, meeting Building Code requirements, from outside the building.

(G) The accessory dwelling shall not exceed one-half (2) of the total area of the principal dwelling or 900 square feet, whichever is greater, but in no case shall it exceed that of the principal dwelling.

(H) Accessory dwellings shall be built to North Carolina Building Standards.

(I) Accessory dwelling units must have separate utility meters if they are intended to be leased.

Approval of the amendment came on a unanimous vote.

In other action, the council passed a resolution proclaiming Tuesday, Dec. 2, as Burke County Nonprofit Day, also known as 1BurkeGives Day.

1BurkeGives is an annual 24-hour online giving Tuesday event for Burke County nonprofit organizations at 1burkegives.org!

All 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Burke County can register to be a part of 1BurkeGives. Participation is free. Burke County United Way is the host of the 1BurkeGives platform and does not receive any funds collected by participants. Each organization sets up their own profile for fundraising through 1burkegives.org (powered by Bonterra) and receives their donations directly to their bank account.

The council was also reminded by town staff that the annual Christmas Parade is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13. A fireworks display is scheduled to follow the parade.