A converted garage, backyard cottage or in-law suite could soon be easier to build in Suffolk.
The Suffolk Planning Commission voted 7-0 May 21 to recommend approval of a city-initiated zoning change that would loosen local rules for accessory dwelling units, commonly known as ADUs.
The change is partly local housekeeping and partly a response to state law. Virginia has moved to require localities to allow ADUs by right in single-family residential zoning districts. Suffolk staff said the state law does not take effect until July 1, 2027, but the city is trying to get its ordinance in line early.
The proposed amendment now goes to City Council, which is expected to consider it June 17.
Staff planner Isabella Reynolds said ADUs are often referred to as in-law suites, granny flats or accessory apartments. They may be inside a home, attached to a home or detached from the main house.
The city’s proposed definition describes an ADU as a subordinate dwelling unit with complete living, sleeping, sanitation and cooking facilities.
Reynolds said the units are not new to Suffolk. The city has approved 54 ADUs since 1999. Before 2017, all of them required a conditional use permit. A 2017 ordinance change allowed them by right in agricultural, rural residential and rural estate zoning districts.
The new amendment would go much further.
ADUs would be allowed by right in zoning districts where single-family dwellings are permitted by right, including agricultural, rural estate, rural residential, residential low, residential low-medium, residential medium, residential compact, residential urban, residential urban-12, residential urban-18, village center, central business district and the Fairgrounds Revitalization and Redevelopment District.
For residents, the change means many ADUs would no longer need to go through the public hearing process for a conditional use permit.
Reynolds said the units have served different needs in Suffolk. Some have allowed older adults to stay close to family while keeping a measure of independence. Others have been used for people with disabilities whose caregivers live in the main house. In other cases, they have helped families stay together as housing costs rise.
“Given the increase of cost and home ownership, many young families are struggling to find houses,” Reynolds said.
The city would still keep standards in place.
Under the proposed rules, ADUs would be limited to two bedrooms. Only one ADU would be allowed per lot. Detached ADUs in agricultural, rural residential and rural estate districts on lots larger than 4 acres could not be more than 400 feet from the main home.
Detached ADUs also would need a certificate of occupancy before being used as a dwelling. Reynolds said that matters because some detached units may come from conversions of existing sheds or other accessory buildings.
“Sheds and dwelling units have different requirements, especially for human occupancy,” Reynolds said.