ROCK SPRINGS – If you live in an R-2 zone and have thought about adding an accessory dwelling structure, you now have that chance as long as the requirements are met. After the third reading Tuesday night, The Rock Springs City Council approved changes to the city’s zoning ordinances which allow accessory dwelling units in the R-2 zones only at this time.

For a month and a half now, the Rock Springs City Council has looked at changes to the city’s zoning ordinances which would include allowing accessory housing units in the R-2 residential zones only. While most changes were minor, the biggest change was to allow accessory dwelling units in the R-2 zones of the city. After receiving some calls and having some questions before the Tuesday night meeting, the council asked Rock Springs City Planner Jennifer Shields to give a brief rundown of the ordinance changes.

When it came to the accessory units, Shields said they are only being allowed in the R-2 zones at this time. She stressed this does not mean the city would not look at other zones in the future, but with housing issues like this the city takes a “slow and conservative approach.”

The city estimates there are approximately 200 accessory dwelling units throughout Rock Springs. Most of these are currently in R-2 zones. Shields said by allowing them in R-2 zones, it will not only let the city see how it is going to work and if it is something they want to expand into other residential zones, but will also brings those existing ones into compliance with city ordinance.

“It’s actually a good thing,” Shields explained as she told of a visit earlier that day with a residents who had concerns. “Now they are all in compliance with city ordinances.”

There have also been some questions about current accessory units. These units will be grandfathered in. Mayor Carl Demshar did note that if someone starts doing work on one or doing upgrades, there is a chance it would take the grandfathering off and they would have to follow the new standards.

As for residents who now have the opportunity to build an accessory unit after the passing of this ordinance change, the city wanted to make it clear there are requirements that would need to be taken care of first. They include obtaining all the proper permits, there would be land space, height and setbacks requirements they would have to meet and follow before they could start to build.

As for the other changes, Shields said they were small changes that were made to make the zoning ordinance more clear, more user friendly and more streamlined for the public.

To get a complete look at the ordinance and the changes go to http://www.rswy.net/department/division.php?fDD=13-27 or check out the Oct. 7 city council packet at http://www.rswy.net/egov/docs/1412366274_287780.pdf.  Residents can also call the Rock Springs Planning and Zoning department for details on setbacks, requirements and question on the changes.