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Hampton adopts new rules for accessory dwelling units — one ADU per lot, 800‑sq‑ft cap, owner-occupancy required
Summary
Council adopted four zoning ordinance amendments establishing ADU standards: one ADU per lot, 800 sq ft cap, owner-occupancy requirement, 5-foot detached side setback, prohibition on new ADUs being short-term rentals, and limited additional parking requirements; effective date set for Dec. 31, 2025.
The Hampton City Council unanimously adopted zoning ordinance amendments 25-0018, 25-0019, 25-0268 and 25-0269 to create a new ADU (accessory dwelling unit) regulatory framework.
Staff presented the package as a phased approach to expand housing options while protecting neighborhood character. Monica Mayhar, community engagement manager, said the city collected more than 350 survey responses and that 48% of respondents said they would be interested in adding an ADU to their property. Planner Quinn Heinrich outlined the proposed standards: only one ADU per lot; a size cap of 800 square feet or no more than 50% of the principal dwelling (whichever is smaller); detached ADU side setbacks increased from 3 feet to 5 feet; a maximum building height of 16 feet or 1½ stories; and a requirement that ADU units be owner-occupied so both the principal dwelling and the ADU cannot be rented simultaneously.
Heinrich said staff recommends not requiring additional parking for most ADUs, except where on-street parking is prohibited on a block, in which case one off-street space would be required. New ADUs would not be permitted to be used as short-term rentals; existing short-term rentals located in ADUs would not be affected by the change.
The ordinances also revise definitions and chapter language to accommodate ADUs across one- and two-family residential districts, clarify enforcement via the zoning administrator permit process, and preserve certain Buckroe Bay district provisions where appropriate. The council adopted the ordinances as revised by the planning commission with an effective date of Dec. 31, 2025.
Council members asked several clarifying questions about enforcement, permitting workflow and neighborhood compatibility; staff said ADU proposals would require a zoning administrator permit (ZAP), building permits and inspection before a certificate of occupancy could be issued. The council took the vote with no public speakers signed up and recorded unanimous approval.
