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Town attorney: state accessory-dwelling-unit law gives Urbanna time but council should prepare
Summary
The town attorney told the council the state law enabling accessory dwelling units (ADUs) takes effect July 1, 2027, giving Urbanna time to inventory existing ADUs and draft an ordinance; the council asked for a briefing on legal requirements and next steps.
Andrea, Urbanna's town attorney (participating remotely), advised council members that the state law governing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) will take effect on July 1, 2027, and recommended the town begin planning ordinance changes now so the community is prepared. She said local officials will need to inventory existing ADUs to distinguish new applications from existing units and that implementation raises practical questions for local regulation.
"The effective date for accessory dwelling units is not until 07/01/2027," Andrea said, and advised the council that the state statute provides direction on what local ordinances must address. Councilors asked Andrea to prepare a briefing clarifying the law's requirements and potential options for Urbanna's ordinance so the town can meet the deadline with considered policies rather than an emergency implementation.
