Accessory Dwelling Units

The city’s comprehensive plan discusses the benefits and challenges associated with expanding the supply of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and includes a policy recommendation that supports the development of ADUs. The Community Character and Land Use chapter explains that portions of single-family homes are often converted to ADUs for student housing, with attendant impacts on neighboring properties (p. 2.7). It also points out that allowing ADUs can support affordable housing goals by increasing densities, lowering the cost of land per dwelling unit, and providing supplemental income to home owners (p. 2.9). This chapter recommends updating zoning regulations to allow ADUs in strategic locations to help meet the objective of providing a mix of housing (2.7.3.2).