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Sebastian council adopts ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units in single‑family zones
Summary
On second reading the City Council approved Ordinance O-25-06 to add standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single‑family residential zoning, setting size, design and use limits while prohibiting vacation rentals and conversions to condominiums.
The City of Sebastian City Council on April 9 adopted Ordinance O-25-06 to permit accessory dwelling units in single‑family residential zones and to set rules for their size, placement, parking and permitted uses.
The ordinance creates a formal definition of accessory dwelling units and treats ADUs as accessory structures in single‑family zoning only, excluding multifamily districts. It limits ADU size to no more than 50% of the principal residence under air or 1,000 square feet maximum, with a 300 square foot minimum. The ordinance also prohibits ADUs from being used as vacation rentals or converted into condominiums and requires them to meet Florida Building Code and local setback, building‑coverage and impervious‑surface rules.
“ADUs are proposed to add a housing option, provide some affordable living accommodations and allow homeowners to rent out extra space for additional income,” City planner Miss Bosworth said during the second reading presentation, summarizing the ordinance’s intent. Bosworth described design standards that require ADUs to be compatible with neighborhood character and to “match the principal residence as closely as reasonably possible.”
The code requires one ADU per tax parcel; an ADU must be permitted only after the principal residence has received its certificate of occupancy. ADUs must connect to water and sewer if available or meet county health‑department septic requirements; parking must be “adequate on‑site parking” to support both the principal residence and the ADU. The ordinance also says permit applicants must submit an affidavit indicating whether the unit will be rented to lower‑income households, but staff said enforcement of rental price is expected to be a civil matter between landlords and tenants.
Council members discussed statewide legislation and local impacts. Council member Gooden said he remained personally unconvinced the change was in residents’ best interest but would vote yes because “it’s the wave of the future.” Council member Nunn said he “totally support[s] this.” The second and final reading passed on a roll‑call vote: Dodd, Nunn, McParland, Vice Mayor Jones and Dixon all voted yes.
Miss Bosworth told the council the ordinance excludes ADUs in deed‑restricted subdivisions if homeowner‑association covenants prohibit them and that ADU permits will include a modified permit record so the city can track where ADUs are built.
The ordinance also adjusts related accessory‑structure code sections and removes “guest houses” as conditional uses in the land‑development code. City staff said they will monitor pending state legislation that may affect local ADU rules and bring updates back to council if required.
