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Councilors discuss ADUs and short-term rental rules with preservation concerns
Summary
Speakers debated how to allow small accessory units while preserving historic structures and suggested moving short-term rental controls into the short-term rental code rather than the ADU section. Staff was asked to draft clarifying language.
Norcross City council members discussed ways to accommodate small accessory units while protecting historic houses and simplifying code enforcement for short-term rentals.
An unidentified speaker urged creative design solutions that incorporate accessory units into front, back or side porches or garage space to "keep[ ] a historic structure as a cornerstone and the story of your home." The speaker said such approaches could preserve the historic character while providing additional housing options.
On regulatory structure, the speaker argued short-term rentals should be regulated in the short-term rental section, not the ADU (accessory dwelling unit) section. "I would like to control this not in the ADU section, but control this in the short term rental section," the speaker said, noting property owners should not have to track conflicting code sections.
The speaker also said members are not required by state law to homestead property and stressed council needs to "figure out some language that accomplishes those things." No formal ordinance language or vote appeared in the provided transcript; staff was asked to prepare draft code language for future consideration.
The discussion emphasized balancing historic preservation with flexible housing options and directed staff to return with clear regulatory language that preserves historic fabric while addressing short-term rental administration.
