Senate committee passes bill allowing accessory dwelling units statewide to expand affordable housing options

The Senate City, County & Local Affairs Committee voted to advance House Bill 1503, a measure that would prohibit municipalities from banning accessory dwelling units and would require cities to allow ADUs subject to typical permitting standards.

Sponsor Senator Chester described accessory dwelling units — such as finished basements, garage apartments or small backyard units — as an affordable housing tool used for young workers, retirees and family housing. "An accessory dwelling unit is, for instance, finishing out an apartment inside a garage, finishing out your basement, adding a small unit in your backyard," he said, adding that ADUs can make more efficient use of existing infrastructure and reduce the cost of service delivery.

James Walden, president of the Arkansas chapter of the American Planning Association, testified in favor and cited a national estimate of a housing shortfall and the efficiency gains from "invisible density." "Accessory dwelling units really are a form of invisible density ... they make use of every single inch of water line, sewer line, street that exists within the city," Walden told the committee and urged passage.

Committee members discussed local-control concerns and the variable urgency of the housing shortage across regions. Sponsor Chester said that many local governments oppose ADUs in practice and argued a statewide standard is necessary to address workforce and affordable housing needs.

The committee recorded a motion to pass the bill; the motion carried and the bill was advanced to the Senate calendar for further action.