Ithaca council advances ADU ordinance after public hearing as owner-occupancy debate continues

The Ithaca City Common Council voted to move a proposed accessory dwelling unit ordinance, as drafted without an owner-occupancy requirement, to the common council voting meeting on May 7 for final consideration.

The proposed ordinance would legalize accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right across most residential zones. Supporters told council the measure would expand housing stock and give homeowners new income options. Opponents urged retaining an owner-occupancy requirement or carving out parts of the city where that rule would remain in place to protect long-standing single-family neighborhoods.

During an extended public hearing, residents and local professionals offered sharply different views. Sarah Curless, an organizer with the tenants union, said, “we have a desperate need for more housing in the city.” Several residents urged an owner-occupancy requirement to help keep single-family homes available to families. Rupert Spies, a Valley Road resident, told council he had spoken with local lenders and quoted a…