ADUS - ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
Why should County Commissioners vote NO!
Currently, Hamilton County’s zoning regulations do not permit ADUs, or secondary living spaces on residential lots. However, the RPA is considering amendments to allow ADUs as a means of diversifying housing options within neighborhoods.
The Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Resolution would allow ADUs in any zone that you can build single family homes except A-1 and only on lots with sewers. Detached ADUs can be up to 800 sq ft, 24 ft high, 5 ft from side and rear property lines, and would not be included in maximum density calculations. So, a major loophole for developers! Seven per acre can turn into 14 per acre. More homes means more traffic and more stormwater runoff.
Under Current Zoning, property owners can already build a second house if they have enough property for another lot. It's similar to subdividing your property without having to actually do it. In R-1, on sewer, you need a 6,000 sq ft lot. To build a second house, you need another 6,000 Sq Ft. So, 12,000 sq ft total. For more than two homes, you have to subdivide the property.
The ADU Resolution would allow a main house and an ADU on a 6.000 sq ft lot without requiring the extra 6,000 sq ft. If the ADU is larger than 800 sq ft then it is not considered an ADU and it's subject to the current zoning requirements (above) for a second home.
So, this resolution only allows a second small home on a small lot which is typically used for urban infill. This is the county and we don't need infill that creates more traffic and more stormwater runoff.
Please ask County Commissioners to vote NO on this ADU Resolution!
What Are ADUs?
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a stand-alone (i.e., detached) single-family home. ADUs can be attached to the main house, or they can be a separate building in the backyard or garage.