Syracuse's Economic Development Committee has taken significant steps to clarify regulations surrounding accessory dwelling units (ADUs) during their meeting on September 22, 2025. The committee discussed the current status of ADUs, revealing that only one has been approved in the Sedgwick area, primarily due to high construction costs that deter homeowners from pursuing these projects.

Committee members expressed a desire to encourage more ADUs, recognizing their potential to provide affordable housing options. However, they acknowledged that the financial burden of building an ADU is comparable to adding a large extension to a home, which may limit homeowner interest.

A key point of discussion was the existing regulations that state if the primary residence is destroyed or removed, the ADU must also be removed. This raised concerns about the implications for residents who may live in an ADU while their main home is being rebuilt. Committee members clarified that while the ADU must be associated with a primary residence, residents would not be forced to vacate their ADU during the rebuilding process.

The committee also addressed the size limitations for ADUs, emphasizing that they should be proportionate to the main home. The maximum size for an ADU is set at 800 square feet, but this can vary based on the size of the primary residence. The discussions highlighted the need for clearer guidelines to avoid confusion regarding size restrictions and the distinction between residential and non-residential accessory structures.

As Syracuse continues to navigate the complexities of housing development, the committee's efforts to refine ADU regulations aim to promote more accessible housing solutions while ensuring community standards are upheld. The next steps will involve further discussions to finalize these regulations and potentially encourage more homeowners to consider ADUs as viable options for housing.