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April 14, 2026 Saint Anthony Council Work Session - 2 <br />Councilmember Jenson asked whether adding to a building will increase the property's value. City <br />Planner Grittman stated that proponents of ADUs suggest there is added value. There are studies that <br />show this in other states. <br />Councilmember Jenson asks whether the main house is responsible for the increase in property taxes <br />and whether they would raise rent to accommodate it. City Planner Grittman noted that the main owner <br />would be responsible for paying taxes and would have to decide how to account for this with their <br />tenant. <br />Councilmember Jenson pointed out that ADUs are new to the area and that he would like to see real <br />examples from surrounding communities before implementing the option. He stated that there are also <br />already units within the City which have been added onto to house additional tenants. City Planner <br />Grittman clarified that you may currently have any number of related persons or up to three unrelated <br />persons in the single dwelling, but that they cannot add a separate unit. Now, there must be interior <br />access to the main home. <br />Councilmember Elnagdy asked Councilmember Jenson what metrics he would like to see from other <br />cities to show the outcomes of ADUs. Councilmember Jenson stated he was not sure, but he would like <br />to get a sense of whether it is working out well before they change their ordinance. He is also concerned <br />about the resale potential of properties with ADUs. <br />Councilmember Elnagdy asked whether the 40 percent impervious surface requirement would address <br />concerns about someone using their entire yard for a separate structure. City Planner Grittman says this <br />will apply to lots less than 90,000 square feet, and lots larger than this can have 35 percent. When the <br />impervious surface limits have been achieved, homeowners cannot expand further. This may lead <br />individuals to build a unit above existing buildings. <br />City Planner Grittman stated that recent research has shown that the costs of building an ADU are often <br />prohibitive and are not made up by rent. Many individuals who build an ADU are trying to provide for <br />their family rather than turn a profit. More qualitative research is needed with City staff to identify <br />additional issues. <br />Councilmember Elnagdy stated that if ADU construction is only a possibility for those who do not <br />already struggle with affordability, there is not a significant gain beyond gentle density. Councilmember <br />Jenson agreed. <br />Councilmember Doolan highlighted a scenario showing the benefits of an ADU option. A couple moved <br />to St. Anthony, and one of the spouses developed early-onset dementia. Another family wished to build <br />above the home of the couple to help support their needs while maintaining separation to allow for <br />independence. They were denied a variance. Councilmember Doolan expressed that there are <br />circumstances in which this should be accommodated. She also highlighted that the gentle density <br />increases are an important part of the City’s future planning. She stated that there is precedent for <br />allowing ADUs and that research has been conducted to show their benefits. The advantages an ADU <br />can provide for families make it worth considering. <br />Councilmember Jenson stated that building above an existing unit should be allowed. He asked if <br />allowing the option to build above an existing unit would require an ADU ordinance. City Planner <br />Grittman stated that it would require an ADU ordinance if it constitutes a separate dwelling, and they <br />are not able to limit the allowable tenants. <br />4