Board narrows ADU proposal language, members press for parking‑based approach ahead of public hearing

Town staff told the Greenburgh Town Board at its Feb. 11 work session that the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) local law posted for a public hearing the following day contains a single minor modification clarifying ADU size by percentage of gross floor area.

A staff member noted the revised draft was emailed to the board and that the only change posted for the hearing was that size clarification; the staff member said the board reserves the right to request further modifications. “The public hearing tomorrow only has one minor modification,” the staff member said.

Several trustees and members of the public urged the board to focus on objective parking requirements rather than a blanket lot‑size cutoff. One commenter pointed out that imposing a 10,000‑square‑foot minimum lot size would rule out ADUs on some properties that nonetheless have adequate on‑site parking, and suggested a system that evaluates parking capacity per parcel or uses a special‑permit process for unusual lots.

Board members discussed options including an annual report to monitor ADU uptake, a possible sunset provision, and requiring applicants to document on‑site parking instead of relying solely on lot size. Staff said they had already circulated a civic association submission and would accept written materials into the public record for the hearing.

The town will proceed with the public hearing; trustees asked staff to include broader outreach and to bring back an assessment of how many properties in town would qualify under the draft rules.