(A) Purpose. The ECHO housing regulations of this section are intended to:
(1) Allow households to provide small temporary residences for relatives or household members who are in need of support, while still maintaining some independence.
(2) Allow households to provide security and support for relatives or household members with health problems or disabilities.
(3) Reduce the degree to which elderly or disabled residents have to choose between increasing isolation in their own homes and institutionalization in nursing homes or similar facilities.
(4) Accommodate housing types in residential neighborhoods that are appropriate for households at various stages of the life cycle.
(5) Allow ECHO housing in a manner that protects the property values and residential character of neighborhoods by ensuring that the units are compatible with the neighborhood and are easily removed.
(B) Where allowed. ECHO housing units are allowed as a special use permit associated with a detached house in the A-1, A-2, E-1, E-2, R-1, and R-2 zoning districts.
(C) Regulations. ECHO housing units are subject to all of the following regulations:
(1) A maximum of one ECHO housing unit may be located on a lot, in addition to the principal residence. ECHO housing units are not permitted on lots occupied by accessory dwelling units (see also § 155-10.110(C).
(2) ECHO housing units must comply with all applicable setbacks of the subject zoning district.
(3) ECHO housing units may not contain more than 1,000 square feet of living space or more than two bedrooms in the R-1 and R-2 zoning district.
(4) ECHO housing units may not contain more than 1,200 square feet of living space or more than two bedrooms in A-1, A-2, E- 1 and E-2 zoning districts.
(5) ECHO housing units must be a mobile home or an attached or detached pre-manufactured home with a removable foundation.
(6) No more than one parking space may be provided for an ECHO housing unit.
(7) The owner of the lot must live in either the principal dwelling unit or the ECHO housing unit.
(8) The owner of the principal residence and the resident of the ECHO unit must be related by blood, marriage, civil union or adoption or be a licensed caretaker.
(9) At least one of the occupants of the ECHO housing unit must be at least 62 years of age, or unable to live independently because of disabilities. All disabled occupants must submit a letter from a licensed physician verifying the disability and stating the permanency of the situation.
(10) The owner of the lot must submit an affidavit to the Zoning Administrator every year verifying that the property is being maintained in full compliance with the ECHO housing regulations of this section and that all eligibility requirements continue to be met. Once the eligibility requirements are no longer met, the lot owner has up to six months to remove the ECHO housing unit from the property.
(Ord. effective 10-1-2012; Ord. 16-227, passed 12-15-2016; Ord. 18-1, passed 1-18-2018)