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Commissioners and residents debate housing density and ADU rules
Summary
The commission discussed housing density and accessory dwelling units; staff said Oak Forest has an ADU ordinance with owner-occupancy and design standards but no applications to date, while commissioners disagreed on allowing higher-density housing to grow the tax base.
Housing dominated part of the June 3 workshop discussion. An attendee asked whether the commission was considering accessory dwelling units (ADUs); staff said the city has adopted an ADU ordinance that includes an owner-occupancy requirement and design standards and that no ADU applications have been submitted so far.
Commissioner Guisinger said the city faces a fiscal choice among adding housing units, raising taxes, or reducing services and urged openness to ADUs, duplexes and small multifamily housing in appropriate locations to broaden the tax base and generate property and utility revenues. Commissioner Larson expressed opposition to introducing higher density. Staff also noted that detached ADUs can cost nearly as much as a new home, making attached additions and related-living options more feasible for some homeowners.
