Othello to hold public hearing on ordinance

OTHELLO­ — The Othello City Council will have a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 25 for input on proposed updates to the city’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance.

Work on the ADU ordinance began in June 2018 when someone asked the city if they could convert their shop into a living space. Since then, ADUs were built without authorization and permit as one of the ways to deal with the housing shortage in Othello. There are no ordinances in Othello addressing ADUs.

The new ordinance would provide a way for citizens to legally build additional living quarters on their property. In the proposed ordinance, ADUs would be allowed in certain residential areas, as long as specific building codes were met. The ordinance would also provide a way for pre-existing ADUs in the city to become legal under city code.

The Othello Planning Commission presented its proposed ordinance to city councilors Sept. 27. It was noted during the meeting it was the 23rd time the council discussed ADUs in the past three years. While the council said it would like to see a few changes made to the ordinance before adoption, it is the closest the city has come to having regulations surrounding ADUs.

“The planning commission fought tooth and nail for this,” said Chris Dorow, chairman of the planning commission. “I think this is the best policy we can give you.”

Before the ordinance can be adopted, residents must be allowed to express their opinions on it. The meeting will be at 500 E. Main St., online at global.gotomeeting.com/join/275138125 and via phone at 1-872-240-3311, using access code 275-138-125.

Citizens wishing to view the proposed ordinance can get a copy from Othello City Hall.

For more information, call the Othello City Hall at 509-488-5686.