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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — APRIL 13, 2026 9 Councilmember Monson said a detached ADU functions as an accessory structure. If someone already has a chicken coop and a shed, they wouldn't be allowed to have an ADU without removing one of those other structures because only two accessory structures are allowed. She asked if a detached garage, with an ADU on top would be one or two. Community Development Director Reilly said it would be one accessory structure. Councilmember Holden said a garage is only allowed to be so many square feet. If you add an ADU above it, you are changing the square footage of the garage. She thinks we should only allow attached ADUs because of the water and sewer hook ups. If we allow a detached ADU we almost can't go through the main house. She said someone could put an addition that is built toward the front yard. We would allow that. Community Development Director Reilly clarified that he heard Council saying they didn't want a detached unit being plunked into someone's front yard. An attached ADU addition that extends further into the front yard may be allowed depending on other factors. Mayor Grant said he does not want to allow detached. Discussion ensued about existing regulations that allow a resident to expand a home toward the front property line. This is no different from expanding the same home the same amount for the purpose of an ADU. However, if an ADU were constructed in this way, it would need a separate entrance on the side or the rear, not in the front. Community Development Director Reilly said he heard some say they wanted to ensure we are thoughtful in regards to the viewshed. We already have ordinances covering this and those ordinances will come into play. He said he heard concerns that just because someone has a big lot, it shouldn't mean they can build an ADU which is essentially a whole other house on the property. He asked if Councilmembers had a particular number in mind for a maximum ADU footprint or square footage. Discussion ensued regarding what Staff would recommend and what is typical. Council thinks 800 square feet is a fair number. Councilmember Holden said if someone builds this for an ageing parent and that parent passes, what's to stop them from knocking down that wall and using that additional space. Community Development Director Reilly said the homeowner would have to come in for a remodeling permit. We can make a provision that it can't be converted back. Councilmember Weber would like to see a little more information on the square footage. He wouldn't want to go too low that a two -bedroom ADU wouldn't be possible. He said 800 fees tight to him and 900 feels better. Councilmember Holden said TCAAP has recommendations of 750 square feet in some places. Those were supposed to be for families. She is happy with 800 square foot maximum. Community Development Director Reilly said some smaller communities use a percentage of the home's gross living area or a certain square footage.