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Bonita Springs council hears ADU briefing, staff urged to start ordinance work plan ahead of 2026 deadline
Summary
Community development staff reviewed local ADU rules and pending Florida legislation that would require cities to adopt ADU ordinances by Dec. 1, 2026. Councilmembers and residents raised enforcement, tax and neighborhood‑character concerns and directed staff to prepare follow‑up analysis and drafting steps.
Community development staff presented an overview of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and how pending state legislation would change local authority, prompting council discussion about enforcement, neighborhood character and a firm timeline for drafting an ordinance.
Jacqueline Gibson, community development staff, told the City Council that Florida bills moving through the Legislature (Senate Bill 48 and a companion House bill) would, if enacted, change “may” to “must” — requiring local governments to adopt ADU ordinances. Gibson said the bills in the packet would take effect on 07/01/2026 and that municipalities would be required to adopt an ordinance by 12/01/2026.
The presentation summarized the city’s existing ADU rules: downtown/form‑based code transects generally allow ADUs (the Imperial River/Imperial 41 transect excepted) with an 800‑square‑foot cap, shared utility connections and the units not counting toward density or additional impact fees. Outside downtown, accessory apartments are permitted in specified…
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