Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Prior to 2024, property owners were not permitted under the Town’s zoning ordinances to maintain an independent living area, either attached or detached from their main residence. Such rental units were recommended, however, by the Town’s 2022 Comprehensive Plan (PDF).  In 2023, the Planning Commission spearheaded an effort to allow the construction/establishment of ADUs.  This effort required moving our zoning ordinances away from the Town’s traditional one-family dwelling model, so that homeowners could construct modest on-site rental properties that would provide income streams.

You can review:

• the final ordinance (PDF)
• the draft ordinance/ZTA, as reviewed and amended by the Town Council in March 2024 (note that this is in Word because PDF format does not show redlined comments. You will need to download the file to view it.)
• the draft ordinance/ZTA, as accepted by the Planning Commission in December 2023 after receiving comments (PDF), along with a cover letter from the Commission to the Town Council proposing a timeline for further discussion and enactment (PDF)
• the earlier (September 2023) draft ordinance/ZTA that will enable the Town to allow ADUs (PDF). This draft awaits input from our Town residents so that the Planning Commission can address residents’ concerns or questions.
• a presentation summarizing what is being proposed in the draft ZTA (PDF).

Comments Received from Committees or Commissions

• March 23, 2024 letter from the HPC with further proposed revisions (PDF)
• December 2023 RASEC position paper (PDF)
• September 22, 2023 email from the HPC (PDF)
  • Proposed HPC Revisions to the ADU Ordinance (downloadable Word file)

Comments Received from Individual Residents

• January 23, 2024 email from Tom and Sylvia Appleby (PDF)
• January 21, 2024 email from John McClelland (PDF)
• January 4, 2024 email from Nan Aitel-Thompson (PDF)
• October 4, 2023 email from John McClelland (PDF)
• October 3, 2023 email from Bill Earl (PDF)
• October 1, 2023 email from Ann Philips (PDF)
• October 1, 2023 letter from Craig and Mary Lou English (PDF)
• September 28, 2023 Letter from Mimi Bolotin (PDF)
• September 25, 2023 letter from Joe Clark (PDF)