City council rejects proposed ADU rule change after lengthy public comment

The West Lafayette City Council voted 7-1 on March 3 to reject Ordinance 1-2025, an Area Planning Commission (APC)–sponsored amendment that would have permitted accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in portions of the Unified Zoning Ordinance (UZO).

The ordinance would have created a voluntary pathway for homeowners to add ADUs with several guardrails, including owner-occupancy requirements and size limits, as an approach described by proponents as “gentle densification.” The City Clerk called the roll and the final tally was seven nays and one aye; Councilor Blanco was recorded as the sole vote in favor.

Supporters said the change was a modest tool to add housing options near campus and in older neighborhoods. Opponents — including several neighborhood residents who spoke during the public comment period — said the measure risked eroding neighborhood character,…