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Resident asks about ADUs; city staff lays out ordinance and planning-board steps
Summary
A resident asked whether Absecon permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Planning/zoning staff said state legislation could compel allowance in the future but that the city could pursue a local ordinance; any change would require planning-board review for master-plan consistency before a second reading and adoption.
During the meeting’s public comment period a resident, Jim (voice S9), asked whether Absecon allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs), sometimes known as in-law suites or backyard cottages, and described factory-built units that can be placed on a property within months of ordering.
Planning and zoning staff (voice S6) responded that New Jersey has pending legislation that may require municipalities to allow ADUs, but emphasized that, for now, a municipality can choose to act locally. Staff explained the typical local process: a council member would introduce an ordinance to permit ADUs; the proposed ordinance must then be sent to the planning board to verify consistency with the municipal master plan and to provide a recommendation before the council could proceed to a second reading and final adoption.
Staff noted municipalities that currently allow ADUs typically treat them as a separate use or require a use variance, and often impose occupancy or other restrictions to distinguish family use from rental income. The chair encouraged the resident to provide contact information so staff could follow up, and council members said they would research the topic and discuss it at a future meeting if warranted.
What happens next: staff advised the resident on process steps (introduction of ordinance and planning-board review); council members indicated they would research ADU policy options and could consider drafting an ordinance for referral to the planning board.
