Building departments

Milford zoning board delays vote on accessory dwellings

MILFORD — The city’s Planning and Zoning Board delayed action on accessory dwelling units after residents raised a number of concerns at the board’s recent public hearing.

An ADU is a separate small house or apartment that shares a lot with a larger main home.

According to board member Robert Satti, Milford’s proposed regulations would allow owners to derive income from the ADU, and that the person living in the space does not have to be related to the owner. Milford also would limit ADU’s size to 800 square feet and require it to be attached to the main structure.

During the meeting, some residents voiced concerns regarding parking and the effect it could have on neighborhoods under the proposed new regulations.

“I know some local ordinances and regulations deal with parking,” Satti said. “I expect we can get (an) answer from (City Planner David) Sulkis at the appropriate time.”

Another item brought up by the public was having the ADUs be deed-restricted and count as affordable housing.

“If you’re doing affordable housing, by statute, it would need to be deed-restricted,” said Sulkis. “With affordable housing, you have to know the people who are in the units, and they have to file an annual report about their income.”

Sulkis said for the ADUs to be considered affordable housing under the state’s 8-30g guideline, the city would need to follow state statute.

Satti suggested the board not take a vote during the meeting to consider all the new material brought up by the public.

“I think we should consider everything they have to say and find a way to address their concerns or good thoughts,” he said.

During the meeting, Mayor Ben Blake stated the proposal was appropriate and balanced. He said back in August, he came before the board and asked the P&Z to opt-out of the ADU state regulation and consider more localized rules.

“I just ask that you consider this again, given my testimony back in August in a favorable light,” he said.

Board of Aldermen Majority Chair Greg Harla also supported the proposed regulation.

“I’m before you as taxpayer civilian and would like to thank the board for the hard work and what they’ve done,” he said. “I think the result shows a forward move for Milford and a forward move for what the goal was.”

Milford resident Bruce Barrett said people with ADUs can now legally rent them because they don’t have to be only for family.

“I’m fully in support of this,” he said. “We are victims of our success. It’s a wonderful town, and you and the people before you have made it an attractive place and a wonderful place to live in. But the result is landlords want to charge more in rent, and the prices go up, making it hard to live in Milford.”

 

 

 

MILFORD — The city’s Planning and Zoning Board delayed action on accessory dwelling units after residents raised a number of concerns at the board’s recent public hearing.

An ADU is a separate small house or apartment that shares a lot with a larger main home.

According to board member Robert Satti, Milford’s proposed regulations would allow owners to derive income from the ADU, and that the person living in the space does not have to be related to the owner. Milford also would limit ADU’s size to 800 square feet and require it to be attached to the main structure.

During the meeting, some residents voiced concerns regarding parking and the effect it could have on neighborhoods under the proposed new regulations.

“I know some local ordinances and regulations deal with parking,” Satti said. “I expect we can get (an) answer from (City Planner David) Sulkis at the appropriate time.”

Another item brought up by the public was having the ADUs be deed-restricted and count as affordable housing.

“If you’re doing affordable housing, by statute, it would need to be deed-restricted,” said Sulkis. “With affordable housing, you have to know the people who are in the units, and they have to file an annual report about their income.”

Sulkis said for the ADUs to be considered affordable housing under the state’s 8-30g guideline, the city would need to follow state statute.

Satti suggested the board not take a vote during the meeting to consider all the new material brought up by the public.

“I think we should consider everything they have to say and find a way to address their concerns or good thoughts,” he said.

During the meeting, Mayor Ben Blake stated the proposal was appropriate and balanced. He said back in August, he came before the board and asked the P&Z to opt-out of the ADU state regulation and consider more localized rules.

“I just ask that you consider this again, given my testimony back in August in a favorable light,” he said.

Board of Aldermen Majority Chair Greg Harla also supported the proposed regulation.

“I’m before you as taxpayer civilian and would like to thank the board for the hard work and what they’ve done,” he said. “I think the result shows a forward move for Milford and a forward move for what the goal was.”

Milford resident Bruce Barrett said people with ADUs can now legally rent them because they don’t have to be only for family.

“I’m fully in support of this,” he said. “We are victims of our success. It’s a wonderful town, and you and the people before you have made it an attractive place and a wonderful place to live in. But the result is landlords want to charge more in rent, and the prices go up, making it hard to live in Milford.”

 

 

 

Milford zoning board delays vote on accessory dwellings  CTPost

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ADU Marin Launches For People Exploring Accessory Dwelling Units

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Several new tools are available for homeowners interested in building an accessory dwelling unit in Marin County.

ADU Marin is a new partnership between 10 local cities and towns and the county. The group launched a step-by-step website and workbook along with a webinar series to guide people through the process of building an ADU, also known as a second unit, a granny flat, an in-law unit or a converted garage.

Creating more housing options, especially affordable units, has been a top priority of local cities, towns and the county for years, county officials said. ADUs are a way to create more housing without an increase in suburban sprawl.

"There is a significant opportunity for more growth in accessory dwelling units in Marin," said Jillian Nameth Zeiger, a planner with the Community Development Agency.

"We are already seeing moderate growth, but these new tools can assist homeowners in the process and create more homes for our workforce. Having people be able to live close to where they work is not only good for morale and a sense of community, but it’s good for the planet because it reduces greenhouse gas emissions."

The new website covers each step of the process, from thinking about building to obtaining permits and starting construction. It features stories from homeowners who have built an ADU and renters now living and working in Marin, along with more than a dozen floor plans. There is also a calculator to figure out what it might cost and what rent could be.

The workbook goes deeper into the process and is full of exercises, checklists and activities.

To introduce the new tools, webinars will be held on Oct. 26, Oct. 29 and Nov. 5. The webinars will take place from 6:30-8 p.m.

  • Oct. 26 – Belvedere, Tiburon, Sausalito, unincorporated Southern Marin. Register online.
  • Oct. 29 – Larkspur, Corte Madera, San Anselmo, unincorporated West Marin. Register online.
  • Nov. 5 – Mill Valley, Ross, Fairfax, unincorporated Central Marin. Register online.

More than 70 ADUs have been created in unincorporated Marin over the past two years, according to the county. Although growth has been slower in local cities and towns, surrounding Bay Area counties are seeing steady increases in the number of ADUs built and now available for rent.

"With housing such a huge priority, there is much more assistance available now than there used to be for people thinking about creating an ADU to supplement their income," Nameth Zeiger said. "In the bigger picture, we hope people will investigate ADUs as a way to improve the quality of life for our workforce. Providing a home for an individual or family can be rewarding and promote a feeling of community."

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Several new tools are available for homeowners interested in building an accessory dwelling unit in Marin County.
ADU Marin is a new partnership between 10 local cities and towns and the county. The group launched a step-by-step website and workbook along with a webinar series to guide people through the process of building an ADU, also known as a second unit, a granny flat, an in-law unit or a converted garage.
Creating more housing options, especially affordable units, has been a top priority of local cities, towns and the county for years, county officials said. ADUs are a way to create more housing without an increase in suburban sprawl.

"There is a significant opportunity for more growth in accessory dwelling units in Marin," said Jillian Nameth Zeiger, a planner with the Community Development Agency.
"We are already seeing moderate growth, but these new tools can assist homeowners in the process and create more homes for our workforce. Having people be able to live close to where they work is not only good for morale and a sense of community, but it’s good for the planet because it reduces greenhouse gas emissions."
The new website covers each step of the process, from thinking about building to obtaining permits and starting construction. It features stories from homeowners who have built an ADU and renters now living and working in Marin, along with more than a dozen floor plans. There is also a calculator to figure out what it might cost and what rent could be.
The workbook goes deeper into the process and is full of exercises, checklists and activities.
To introduce the new tools, webinars will be held on Oct. 26, Oct. 29 and Nov. 5. The webinars will take place from 6:30-8 p.m.
Oct. 26 – Belvedere, Tiburon, Sausalito, unincorporated Southern Marin. Register online. Oct. 29 – Larkspur, Corte Madera, San Anselmo, unincorporated West Marin. Register online. Nov. 5 – Mill Valley, Ross, Fairfax, unincorporated Central Marin. Register online. More than 70 ADUs have been created in unincorporated Marin over the past two years, according to the county. Although growth has been slower in local cities and towns, surrounding Bay Area counties are seeing steady increases in the number of ADUs built and now available for rent.
"With housing such a huge priority, there is much more assistance available now than there used to be for people thinking about creating an ADU to supplement their income," Nameth Zeiger said. "In the bigger picture, we hope people will investigate ADUs as a way to improve the quality of life for our workforce. Providing a home for an individual or family can be rewarding and promote a feeling of community."
ADU Marin Launches For People Exploring Accessory Dwelling Units  San Rafael, CA Patch

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Streamlined state regulations spark a surge in local interest to build more ADUs.

Builder Ethan Hare has seen commercial projects go “nearly flat” during Covid-19 while residential renovations and new construction continue to increase. His namesake company’s biggest uptick is in construction of accessory dwelling units – attached or detached living spaces on existing properties.

The sudden surge in interest in ADUs is no coincidence. On Jan. 1, new state regulations took effect superseding city and county ADU rules, streamlining the ability to add ADUs and junior accessory dwelling units – efficiency units built within an existing home – to the housing mix. Under the state rules, ADUs are approved through building departments and not through public hearings. The laws limit cities’ and counties’ abilities to impose regulations, like strict parking requirements, that in the past made adding ADUs nearly impossible.

“The state law cracks the door open, particularly for those with single-family homes,” says Monterey Principal Planner Ande Flower. Previously the city required a minimum 5,000-square-foot lot size, but minimum lot sizes are not allowed under state law. Also opening the door a little wider are recently passed ordinances by the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District that change previous requirements that made adding ADUs challenging.

Municipalities may create their own rules that fit within state regulations, which is why the Monterey Planning Commission is scheduled on Oct. 27 to discuss and give guidance to planners on updating the city’s existing ADU ordinance. Flower’s goal is to create flexible rules that will facilitate constructing units that fit neighborhoods.

Flower serves on the United Way Monterey County ADU advisory group, which with the American Institute of Architects Monterey Bay put on a series of online workshops recently that attracted more than 500 participants, according to Kelly de Wolfe, United Way’s associate for affordable housing. In addition to public education, the group partnered with the city of Seaside to build two ADUs using a grant from AARP both to rent out and as a demonstration for others to follow.

United Way Executive Director Katy Castagna says the nonprofit decided about a year ago to be the “backbone support” for the region to diversify and increase the housing stock and create stability for workers as well as families who could use ADUs as an income stream. ADUs also provide flexibility for caring for older family members, or allowing young adult children to remain in the area, Castagna says.

Builder Ethan Hare has seen commercial projects go “nearly flat” during Covid-19 while residential renovations and new construction continue to increase. His namesake company’s biggest uptick is in construction of accessory dwelling units – attached or detached living spaces on existing properties.
The sudden surge in interest in ADUs is no coincidence. On Jan. 1, new state regulations took effect superseding city and county ADU rules, streamlining the ability to add ADUs and junior accessory dwelling units – efficiency units built within an existing home – to the housing mix. Under the state rules, ADUs are approved through building departments and not through public hearings. The laws limit cities’ and counties’ abilities to impose regulations, like strict parking requirements, that in the past made adding ADUs nearly impossible.
“The state law cracks the door open, particularly for those with single-family homes,” says Monterey Principal Planner Ande Flower. Previously the city required a minimum 5,000-square-foot lot size, but minimum lot sizes are not allowed under state law. Also opening the door a little wider are recently passed ordinances by the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District that change previous requirements that made adding ADUs challenging.
Municipalities may create their own rules that fit within state regulations, which is why the Monterey Planning Commission is scheduled on Oct. 27 to discuss and give guidance to planners on updating the city’s existing ADU ordinance. Flower’s goal is to create flexible rules that will facilitate constructing units that fit neighborhoods.

Flower serves on the United Way Monterey County ADU advisory group, which with the American Institute of Architects Monterey Bay put on a series of online workshops recently that attracted more than 500 participants, according to Kelly de Wolfe, United Way’s associate for affordable housing. In addition to public education, the group partnered with the city of Seaside to build two ADUs using a grant from AARP both to rent out and as a demonstration for others to follow.
United Way Executive Director Katy Castagna says the nonprofit decided about a year ago to be the “backbone support” for the region to diversify and increase the housing stock and create stability for workers as well as families who could use ADUs as an income stream. ADUs also provide flexibility for caring for older family members, or allowing young adult children to remain in the area, Castagna says.

Streamlined state regulations spark a surge in local interest to build more ADUs.  Monterey County Weekly

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Accessory dwelling unit plans free to public in Chico

CHICO — Anyone interested in building accessory dwelling units in Chico can now access plans for how to build them from the city, for free.

As of Monday, these plans are funded by grants from the State Department of Housing and Community Development and available pre-approved by the city’s Building Division to the public for use free of charge.

An accessory dwelling unit, also known as a “mother-in-law suite” or “granny flat,” is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more people on the same lot as the main dwelling unit.

These units can address housing gaps within existing neighborhoods as housing that is more affordable due to a small size and use of existing infrastructure.

“On the heels of the Camp Fire, when Chico was already experiencing an acute shortage of affordable housing, Chico City Council directed City staff to expand housing opportunities and apply for housing grants,” Principal Planner Bruce Ambo said. “Having these pre-approved ADU plans available to our residents saves significant time and money for homeowners at a critical time when affordable housing opportunities are in short supply.”

A total of 13 plan variations are available. Floor plans are also available that incorporate accessible universal design features with wider doorway widths and larger bathrooms for increased American Disability Act accessibility.

To learn more or to download a catalog of available plans and other documents the public may visit the city’s website at https://chico.ca.us/adujadu-information.

CHICO — Anyone interested in building accessory dwelling units in Chico can now access plans for how to build them from the city, for free.

As of Monday, these plans are funded by grants from the State Department of Housing and Community Development and available pre-approved by the city’s Building Division to the public for use free of charge.

An accessory dwelling unit, also known as a “mother-in-law suite” or “granny flat,” is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more people on the same lot as the main dwelling unit.

These units can address housing gaps within existing neighborhoods as housing that is more affordable due to a small size and use of existing infrastructure.

“On the heels of the Camp Fire, when Chico was already experiencing an acute shortage of affordable housing, Chico City Council directed City staff to expand housing opportunities and apply for housing grants,” Principal Planner Bruce Ambo said. “Having these pre-approved ADU plans available to our residents saves significant time and money for homeowners at a critical time when affordable housing opportunities are in short supply.”

A total of 13 plan variations are available. Floor plans are also available that incorporate accessible universal design features with wider doorway widths and larger bathrooms for increased American Disability Act accessibility.

To learn more or to download a catalog of available plans and other documents the public may visit the city’s website at https://chico.ca.us/adujadu-information.

Accessory dwelling unit plans free to public in Chico  Chico Enterprise-Record

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