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Kennesaw council directs staff to draft ADU ordinance after mixed public feedback
Summary
After staff presented outreach results showing mixed sentiment and 255 survey responses, Kennesaw council asked for clear draft language separating accessory dwelling units from short-term rentals and directed planning staff to prepare an ordinance that addresses setbacks, parking, safety and enforcement.
Planning staff summarized months of outreach and survey work and on Monday asked the Kennesaw Mayor and Council for clear direction to draft an ordinance that would allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Planning staff (unnamed) said the outreach included three town halls and an online survey that produced 255 responses, plus about 171 social-media comments. "We just need some clear direction if you want us to go forward with getting a draft started or not," the planner said, asking the council whether staff should prepare a draft ordinance.
The presentation described a split public response: "35% suggested a case by case approval process, 36% suggested allowing ADUs in all residential zoning districts, and 29% were against the presence of ADUs," the planner summarized. Staff also noted common concerns raised during outreach and town halls: setbacks, architectural compatibility, parking, building height and the potential conversion of ADUs to short-term rentals.
Several council members pressed on specific controls. One council member said a distance buffer between ADUs "is a fight waiting to happen for neighbors," and preferred using setbacks and site-plan review to address proximity. Another member urged caution about enforcement and tax implications.
Staff said technical reviews would be part of any approval process: "The fire department will have to look at it for their requirements and parking and accessibility, as well as Cobb Water and Sewer," the planner said, noting utility and safety reviews would be required on site plans. Staff also flagged homestead-exemption and zoning issues, saying that creating a separate dwelling on a single-family lot may change the zoning character and trigger multifamily rules.
Councillors debated occupancy limits and enforcement mechanics. One council member said existing limits on unrelated occupants — currently enforced at up to three unrelated people — could be revisited alongside ADU rules. Staff said building-code square-footage requirements would determine allowable occupancy.
After back-and-forth on buffers, setbacks, and enforcement mechanisms, council members provided direction for staff to prepare a draft ordinance that clarifies the difference between ADUs and short-term rentals, incorporates safety and infrastructure review, and addresses parking and design compatibility. Staff said a draft with clear illustrations and examples would follow.
The council did not adopt an ordinance during the work session; staff will return with a draft for future review and potential advertisement and hearings.
