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Staff urges reconsidering ADU rules to expand multigenerational housing
Summary
Staff said accessory dwelling units (granny flats, carriage houses, tiny homes) can help multigenerational housing but currently are allowed only in RM1 and RM2 zones; staff proposed evaluating ordinance changes and permitting pathways for ADUs.
Staff described accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a tool for multigenerational housing — "granny flat, in-law, carriage house, apartment over the garage, tiny home in the backyard" — and noted the town's ordinances currently permit ADUs only in RM1 and RM2 zoning districts. Staff framed ADUs as a partial response to demand from families wanting flexible housing options for aging parents or grown children.
As part of the audit, staff recommended the council consider expanding where ADUs are allowed or clarifying standards to permit more types of ADUs. The presentation also mentioned streamlining permitting and considering form-based standards to allow diverse ADU product types while maintaining neighborhood character. Staff emphasized these are recommendations for council consideration; no ordinance changes were adopted at the session.
