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Case 10000A-09 Page 3.1 Accessory Dwelling Standards Item 3 GENERAL INFORMATION Applicant: City of Bloomington Request: Ordinance to create Accessory Dwelling Unit standards, thereby amending Chapters 14, 19, and 21 of the City Code PROPOSAL Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) are defined as an "attached residential living unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons separate from a main unit on the same parcel." They are designed to be small, self-contained living units that have their own kitchen area, bedroom, and bathroom space. The Planning Commission and City Council reviewed this issue during discussions regarding the Housing Element of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan update in July 2007. The 2008 Comprehensive Plan recommends adopting standards permitting ADUs. Creating an ADU ordinance is part of the Planning Division's 2009 adopted Work Plan. Based on input from City staff, a literature review, Planning Commissioners and City Council members staff has prepared a draft ordinance that would regulate the standards and regulations of ADUs. ANALYSIS ADUs have been recognized around the country as a strategy to increase the amount of affordable housing in a community and assist homeowners with mortgage and ownership costs without requiring City funding. These types of units exist as a middle ground between two-family dwellings and the renting of rooms to boarders. They provide a low -impact way for a community to expand its range of housing choices. The most common reasons cited for allowing ADUs are: I . to expand the supply of affordable housing for both owners and renters in the community; 2. to provide a means for homeowners, particularly the elderly, to obtain extra income, security, companionship, and service; 3. to make more efficient use of existing housing stock and infrastructure; and 4. to provide a mix of housing that responds to changing family needs. Source: wwtv.mrsc.oig/Publications/textaduaspx Except for two-family dwellings, City Code prohibits more than one dwelling unit per lot in single- family residential zoning districts; ADUs are not permitted per the current Zoning Code. The renting of rooms to not more than two roomers in a single-family dwelling is a permitted accessory use in the R-1, R -IA, and RS -1. Property owners who rent rooms in a single-family home must apply for a yearly rental license, which requires a fee (currently $82) and inspection conducted by the Environmental Health Division. Creating an ADU ordinance is not expected to drastically increase the amount of affordable housing in Bloomington. It is intended to provide another tool in the `housing toolbox' and support the Report to the Planning Commission May 7, 2009 Planning and Economic Development Division