The St. Louis Board of Aldermen voted to perfect Board Bill 60, an amendment to the zoning code that defines, permits and regulates accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in chapter 26.

Proponents said the measure reduces barriers for residents to create small, additional dwelling units on residential lots and framed ADUs as a tool for housing stability and tornado recovery. The sponsor, the Alderwoman from the tenth, said the change will “offer our residents… a tool and a resource” for people displaced or rebuilding after recent storms.

Opponents raised zoning and neighborhood concerns. The Alderman from the fourth said he supported ADUs in principle but opposed the bill because of the risk that ADUs could be used as short‑term rentals. He said inspectors and residents in his ward have reported parking and density problems where short‑term rentals have proliferated. He told the sponsor that, because of a temporary restraining order on the city’s short‑term rental ordinance, the current unregulated environment creates uncertainty: “we’re still in the wild west concerning, short term rentals,” the Alderman said.

During the hearing members discussed the tornado’s effect on housing, including examples of displaced residents considering garage conversions as temporary homes; sponsors emphasized ADUs as one tool among others for increasing housing options. Several aldermen thanked planning staff and community advocates, citing multi‑year work to craft the ordinance.

After discussion, the board voted to perfect the bill. The roll call recorded 13 ayes and 1 no; the transcript records the sponsor renewing her motion and the president announcing the motion sustained. The debate did not produce a vote to carve out short‑term rentals in the ADU bill; members indicated such regulation may require additional planning review or later amendments.

The transcript does not record an immediate implementation schedule, departmental assignment, or a specific funding appropriation tied to the zoning change.