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Planning director outlines ADU ordinance and incentives; residents raise parking, inspection and tenant concerns
Summary
Asbury Park’s director of planning and redevelopment reviewed the city's accessory dwelling unit ordinance, including owner‑occupancy rules, annual inspections and optional subsidies with deed‑restrictions. Residents asked about nonconforming buildings, prefab units, tenant assignment for subsidized units and annual inspections.
Director of Planning and Redevelopment Michelle Alonzo presented an overview of Asbury Park’s accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance and answered residents’ questions during the public portion of the council meeting.
The most important points: the ADU ordinance permits one ADU per qualifying single‑ or two‑family lot in specified residential and redevelopment districts, requires owner‑occupancy for non‑subsidized ADUs, bans short‑term rentals, and requires a minimum six‑month lease. If an owner accepts a city subsidy to rent at an affordable rate, the unit must be deed‑restricted for 10 years and the city will assign an income‑qualified tenant from the affordable‑housing list.
Why it matters: The ordinance is intended to add “soft density” — additional rental housing that retains neighborhood character — while protecting long‑term rental stock and enforcing safety and landlord accountability through annual inspections and a certificate requirement.
Key ordinance details explained by Michelle Alonzo - Definition and placement: An ADU is an independent residential dwelling on the same lot as a single‑family home or within a single family home; it must be behind the main house and not exceed the main house in size. - Where allowed: Permitted in R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, B District, Scattered Site and certain redevelopment areas, limited to properties zoned for one‑ or two‑family homes. - Certificate and inspection: ADUs require an annual certificate from code enforcement and an annual inspection. - Rental and occupancy rules: ADUs (and the primary dwelling) may not be used as short‑term rentals; tenants must have a minimum six‑month lease and the property must be owner‑occupied unless the owner accepts a subsidy for an affordable deed‑restricted unit. - Parking: Owners must maintain on‑site parking and provide one additional parking space per ADU. - Subsidy option: Owners who accept a subsidy must deed‑restrict the ADU for 10 years. Subsidy amounts discussed: $20,000 for moderate income, $30,000 for low income, $35,000 for very low income. Subsidy payments would be disbursed in four parts tied to deed restriction, construction permit, certificate of occupancy, and executed lease (25% each).
Public comment and staff responses Residents asked whether nonconforming multi‑family properties could create ADUs; Alonzo said those cases would typically require a zoning board of adjustment variance and are not guaranteed. A resident asked whether owners could place prefab “tiny houses” on existing foundations; Alonzo said prefabricated units are allowed if setbacks and other requirements are met and the foundation is sufficient. Multiple residents requested that the city reconsider annual inspections; Alonzo said the annual inspection is part of the city’s regulatory component and code enforcement oversight.
On tenant selection for subsidized units, Alonzo said: “If someone is on the affordable‑housing waiting list will be assigned to your property, to your unit,” and emphasized that the city’s affordable‑housing rules and credits require deed‑restricted tenant assignment when a subsidy is accepted. For owners who decline subsidy, the rental market is unrestricted beyond the six‑month minimum lease.
Ending: Alonzo invited interested property owners to consult her office and provided her email (michellealonzo@asburypark.gov) for follow‑up questions and to initiate zoning‑permit reviews.
