Photo by Studio Shed
Gulfport City Council unanimously approved new accessory dwelling unit rules on June 16, creating a formal path for property owners to build small residential units on lots with existing homes.
Gulfport City Council unanimously approved the ADU ordinance on second reading. It amends Gulfport’s zoning code by separating accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, from other accessory structures and creating a new section of code to regulate them.
ADUs are small, self-contained residential units on the same lot as a primary home. Property owners often use them for multigenerational living, aging in place, or long-term rental housing.
Before the vote, Gulfport’s zoning code did not define or regulate ADUs as a distinct residential use. City staff said the ordinance establishes standards for location, size, design, parking, occupancy, short-term rental rules, and administrative approval.
The Planning and Zoning Board reviewed the draft ordinance May 6 and recommended approval in a 5-0 vote. The board also requested several changes, including an 800-square-foot maximum living area and language clarifying that Gulfport’s short-term rental rules apply to ADUs.
Council approved the ordinance on first reading June 2 with one change. Council removed language that would have created an exception for nonprofit-owned properties used for institutional, educational, or affordable housing purposes.
The ordinance has no direct financial impact, according to the City memo.
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