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From:Welcoming Families To:*SAPlanner Cc:Charlie Yunker; Ashley Morello; SA City Subject:Public Hearing Written Comment Regarding Proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit and Sustainable Building Ordinance Amendments Date:Friday, May 29, 2026 1:43:46 PM Dear Chair Socha, Vice Chair Anderson, and Members of the Planning Commission: The Saint Anthony–New Brighton Welcoming All Families Association respectfully submits the following public written comment for the June 16, 2026, public hearings regarding the proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance amendments and the proposed Sustainable Building ordinance amendments. The Saint Anthony–New Brighton Welcoming All Families Association is a resident-led community organization comprised of residents of Saint Anthony Village and New Brighton, Minnesota. The Association supports civic participation, transparent local governance, community inclusion, and public policies that strengthen family stability, educational opportunity, housing accessibility, and meaningful engagement in local decision-making. We appreciate the considerable effort that City staff, the Planning Commission, and the City Council have devoted to discussions concerning housing, sustainability, redevelopment, neighborhood character, and long-range planning. These are important issues that will shape the future character of Saint Anthony Village for decades to come. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) The Association supports thoughtful discussion regarding Accessory Dwelling Units as a tool for expanding housing flexibility while preserving the character of existing neighborhoods. ADUs can serve multiple public purposes. They may provide housing opportunities for aging parents, adult children, caregivers, persons with disabilities, and residents seeking to age in place. They may also assist families facing economic challenges while allowing residents to remain connected to established neighborhoods, schools, faith communities, and support networks. For these reasons, we encourage careful consideration of whether the proposed ordinance appropriately balances neighborhood preservation with housing flexibility. In particular, we encourage discussion regarding the proposed limitation that permits ADUs only when incorporated into a principal dwelling or detached garage while prohibiting freestanding ADUs. While we recognize the City's interest in managing lot coverage, infrastructure impacts, parking demands, and neighborhood compatibility, we believe it is appropriate to evaluate whether larger residential parcels may be capable of accommodating detached cottage-style ADUs or similarly scaled structures under clearly defined standards. Such consideration would allow policymakers to evaluate housing options across a wider range of parcel configurations while maintaining appropriate safeguards regarding appearance, setbacks, occupancy, and infrastructure capacity. We also encourage continued evaluation of parking requirements, occupancy standards, and