Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Highland public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
3 issues in zoning with high priority
Ridgeview privacy fence setbacks
Ridgeview's tiny corner lots (some 0.117 acres) were losing a third to half their side yards to the citywide 14-foot fence setback. The council carved out an exception for the smaller pods so families can fence their yards, while keeping the rule on estate lots.
Detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) rules
Highland is writing the rules for backyard cottages — who can build them, how big, how close to your fence, and whether they can be rented. The trade-off is between helping longtime residents downsize in place and protecting neighbors' privacy from two-story units close to the property line.
Detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs)
State law forces Highland to allow detached ADUs — granny flats, garage apartments — on lots of a quarter acre or larger by October. The commission is shaping the local rules: about 1,250 square feet max, tied to lot coverage, accessory-structure setbacks, and no new impact fees.