Accessory Dwelling Units Consideration of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment Presentation to introduce a potential zoning ordinance amendment to permit Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) Public Meeting One April 12, 2016
Accessory Dwelling Unit an independent housing unit created within a single family home or on their lot Includes a separate entrance, kitchen, bath and sleeping areas Sometimes called an In-Law Unit, or Carriage House What is an ADU?
Tonight s Discussion Prior Discussions about ADUs ADU Potential: Why is this on the table for discussion? Related Topics: Duplexes, Tiny Houses & House Sharing Development Standards and Regulations: Introduction to components of an Ordinance Questions and Table Discussion Clicker Survey and Next Steps
Goals for Tonight Learn more about ADUs Think about the potential impacts of ADUs on a neighborhood Think about the potential benefits of an ADU to a household and the community Share your thoughts with your neighbors and staff Come to the next meeting on May 10 to dig deeper into this topic!
Prior Discussion 2001: City Council Study Session Stay the Course 2001: AARP Model Code introduced 2006-2013: Neighboring Communities Allow ADUs 2013-2014: City Council commissioned Housing Diversification Strategy recommends ADUs November 23, 2015: City Council discussion supports advancing the topic December 3, 2015: Planning Commission discussion provides initial feedback on ADUs
For Reference These neighboring communities allow ADUs: Jefferson County 2006/2015 Arvada 2009 Golden 2010 Denver - 2010 Lakewood - 2013 These neighboring communities are also considering allowing ADUs: Littleton Englewood
ADU Potential Housing Affordability An Aging Community Community or Regional Growth
Housing Affordability Wheat Ridge housing prices are up Up 15.1% in the past 12 months, to $327,000* Up 59.5% in the past 4 years, from $205,000* ADUs can provide a less expensive housing option for a household looking to downsize. ADUs can provide additional income for a new homebuyer that is needed to purchase a home. *Zillow.com
National Trends on Aging 2000 Census = National Average age of 35.3 2010 Census = National Average age of 37.2 2000 Census = 25.8% Living Alone 2010 Census = 26.7% Living Alone Ongoing impact of the Baby Boomers
Aging Trends in Wheat Ridge 2000 Census = Average age of 40 2010 Census = Average age of 43.7 2000 Census = Average Household Size of 2.2 people 2010 Census = Average Household Size of 2.12 people 2000 Census = 35.4% Living Alone 2010 Census = 38.4% Living Alone
Regional Growth 2.2 million new Colorado residents by 2040 Denver Metro Area will receive the majority of those new residents
Other Options for ADUs Boomerang children Households with a disabled family member Guest house for family friends Personal Use, such as a studio or home office Multi-generational families
Will ADUs be Everywhere? They are expensive and can be difficult to finance They are commonly added when other improvements are done, or when a property is initially purchased Often, there are barriers within the regulations themselves that limit them
What is an ADU?
Not a Duplex
Tiny House?
House Sharing
Existing Units
ADU Details Examples Development Standards Regulations on Occupancy
Where is the ADU?
Where is the ADU?
Where is the ADU?
Where is the ADU?
Development Standards
Architecture
Size ADUs commonly have restrictions on size, or a minimum and maximum size allowed These size regulations typically relate to other rules, such as occupancy requirements
Parking Commonly required Valid neighborhood concern Research generally reveals offstreet parking is unnecessary Compromise?
Density Some communities restrict the number of ADUs that are allowed in a given area. Buffers Total number allowed in an area Total number allowed to be added in a year
Occupancy Some communities regulate occupancy of ADUs. These can include: A property owner must live in either the ADU or the primary home A restriction on the total number of people that can live in an ADU
Zoning Zoning regulates where in the City ADUs could be allowed Commonly permitted only on property with a single family home Consideration of whether to permit on lots with more than one dwelling unit Should a minimum lot size be required?
Zoning Standards Zoning standards determine where and how an ADU may be included on a lot. Setbacks from property lines Maximum building coverage Permitted heights
Other Agencies Utility agencies and taps Emergency services
Questions?
Discussion Questions 1. Please introduce yourself and let others know the main reason you attended this meeting tonight. 2. Please share with the group if you would consider adding an ADU and why? 3. Are these considerations important to you and why? If so, how would you propose to address them? Architectural Compatibility Minimum or Maximum Size Parking Total number of people who may live in an ADU Limits on the number of ADUs in Wheat Ridge 4. Is it important to you that a property owner lives in either the primary house or the ADU?