The Lewis County Legislature voted to authorize the planning and community development department to apply for New York State Homes and Community Renewal funding for a "plus 1" accessory dwelling unit (ADU) pilot. The resolution (278) carried after a discussion of zoning, permitting and utility issues.

Planning staff member Kat explained the basic concept: "An accessory dwelling unit could be another dwelling on a property. So, say, you have a house and you have a garage ... an ADU is simply giving you the ability to renovate that garage into another dwelling," Kat said, noting that local zoning must permit the use. Kat added Snowbelt Housing would serve as subrecipient if the grant is awarded, similar to the county's CDBG program administration.

Legislators asked whether ADUs include attached "in-law" apartments and whether separate electrical services would change utility classification. Kat answered ADUs can be attached or detached but "they're all subject to having to be properly permitted and complying with the zone," and said the county would work with local zoning officers to address requirements and with National Grid to resolve billing or classification concerns. The transcript records a concern that separate metering could cause a higher commercial rate; staff said codes and the local zoning officer would be consulted.

The council approved the resolution by voice vote with one recorded opposition noted in the meeting record (Mulberry) on a related consent vote earlier in the packet; the ADU resolution itself carried as part of the consent items. If the state awards the grant, Snowbelt Housing would manage eligible applications and subrecipient responsibilities, and the county would need to confirm municipal zoning allowances before accepting applicants.

The county clerk added the program would not override municipal zoning: "we wouldn't be able to accept any applications ... if it depends on if it's an allowed use by the municipal zoning laws," Kat said. Next steps are the formal grant application to New York State Homes and Community Renewal and, if awarded, local coordination with municipal code officers and Snowbelt Housing.