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MEMORANDUM To:Saint Anthony Village Planning Commission From:Stephen Grittman, City Planner Date:June 16, 2026 Request: Public Hearing – Review of Proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance BACKGROUND As part of the City’s Thriving Village goal, the City has identified an action step for 2026 to consider to allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs are currently prohibited per Code § 154.176 (C). The Council’s interest in considering to allow ADUs is to support flexible housing options. The City Council notes that as expectations for the community’s residential densities continue to rise through the Metropolitan Council and housing market pressure, the introduction of these units can support meeting these expectations. This memorandum forwards draft language for a proposed ordinance amendment incorporating an allowance for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on single family parcels. The material is presented in a tabular format with ordinance text and accompanying staff comment on each section, as well as a more formal ordinance form – the ordinance language is duplicated, but without the accompanying staff comments. ADUs are secondary dwelling units on single family property which are often made available to relatives of the homeowner as well as other parties interested in seeking rentals of smaller residential units. The units operate (generally) independently of the owner’s residence on the property, although they may be attached to, or part of, the principal home. In this draft, the City Council has directed staff to prepare an ordinance that requires inclusion or attachment of such units into an existing structure on the property – either the principal home or a detached accessory structure (such as a garage). The intent is to limit the proliferation of detached structures on the community’s smaller lots. The Council discussed the option to accommodate freestanding ADU structures, but chose to incorporate this consideration into the upcoming housing policy discussions that are expected to be explored as part of the Comprehensive Plan over the next two years. The ordinance is structures to establish some baseline administrative requirements, and then set a series of operational requirements. Several of these elements have been subject to review and comment by other departments relating to public safety and public services. All of the recommended elements are intended to accommodate the increase in density and affordability, while maintaining the intent of R-1 residential zoning in the City. As noted, in preparing the original draft materials, staff coordinated with Fire, Engineering, and Public Works staff for content and completeness. This draft was then reviewed by the City Council in work session in May 2026. With adjustments requested by the Council, this ordinance is now forwarded to the Planning Commission for a public hearing, and the Commission’s recommendation as to adoption. Following the Commission’s review and recommendation, the ordinance and the Planning Commission’s comments will be considered as a part of three readings by the City Council.