A special public meeting to receive comments on accessory dwelling units is scheduled September 14th at Lexington City Hall. Members of the city council’s Planning and Public Safety Committee got an update from the planning staff Tuesday. ADU’s are smaller secondary dwellings on properties with an existing residence.
Council Member Josh McCurn said much of his constituent concern has focused on detached ADU’s. Lexington Long Range Planner Chris Taylor said the amount of self-standing accessory dwelling units varies greatly across the country.
“In a community like Raleigh it’s a much smaller percentage, detached ADU’s are. But, when you go to a city that has a very mature ADU program, like say Seattle or Portland, it creeps up to 30 to 40%. But, your cost per square foot is consistent, east coast-west coast doesn’t matter. A detached ADU, your cost per square foot is much higher,” said Taylor.
The city council is considering ADU regulations which, among other things, cap them at 800 square feet and the owner must reside in the primary residence or ADU.
Blake Hall spoke during public comments about the ADU program. Afterward, he said the need for additional housing outweighs the need for restrictions.
“How is this any different than renting a regular house. There’s no owner-occupancy requirement for renting out a duplex. There’s no deed restriction for a duplex. Why for ADU’s?” asked Hall.
Also offering comment was Patty Draus, who expressed concern about ADU’s. She said there’s the expectation in many neighborhoods of single-family units and not additional housing plus there can be parking concerns. While saying homelessness issues need attention, Draus added this is not the way to go about it.
