Ithaca council hears wide public comment on proposed zoning change to allow ADUs by right

The Ithaca Common Council on April 9 held a public hearing and debated a proposed ordinance to allow accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, by right across much of the city. The measure as drafted by city staff would legalize ADU construction without an owner-occupancy requirement; council members voted to send the item to the May common council voting meeting for final consideration.

Supporters told the council ADUs could marginally increase housing supply and help homeowners afford property costs. Sarah Curless, a resident and organizer with the Tenants Union, said the city “desperately need[s] more housing” and supported the bill, adding she appreciated that the draft removes a parking requirement. David Barkin, who said he is a realtor, contractor and landlord, urged the council to “vote this out of committee and then proceed to vote in favor of this policy” and described ADUs as an adaptive way for homeowners to add housing and generate income.

Opponents and cautious speakers urged council to keep or create an owner-occupancy requirement to prevent investor-owned properties and protect neighborhood…