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January 2025 Millcreek Together Code Update I 18.71 Accessory Dwelling Unit Standards Summary Sheet Chapter 18.71 Accessory Dwelling Unit Standards Summary A. Purpose. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in single-family residential zones are an important tool in the overall housing goals and needs of City and allow for alternative and flexible housing options in owner-occupied single-family residences. The purposes of the ADU standards of this code are to: o Create new housing units while respecting the appearance, neighborhood character, and scale of single-family residential development. o Provide more housing choices in residential zones. o Allow more efficient use of existing housing and large underutilized yards. o Provide housing options for family caregivers, adult children, aging parents, and families seeking smaller households. o Offer a means for residents, particularly seniors, single parents, and families with grown children, to remain in their homes and neighborhoods, and obtain extra income, security, companionship, and services. o Broaden the range of affordable housing options throughout the city. B. What Changed. o Increased size for detached ADUs. o Increase in rear yard lot coverage from 25% to 50%. For some properties with smaller rear yards, the 25% rule eliminates the ability to build a livable sized ADU. o Remove lot size minimums for internal and attached ADUs. o Updated formatting. C. What Remained the Same. o Applicability requirements will remain. o General development and compliance standards remain. o Minimum setbacks and Maximum building height remain. D. Rationale for Changes. The current size restrictions for detached ADUs based on primary building footprint punishes homeowners with smaller homes when they wish to build a detached ADU. Rear yard lot coverage requirements of 25% max for detached ADUs do not affect all properties proportionally and can severely limit the feasibility of a resident being able to build an ADU on their property. Internal and attached ADU restrictions on lot sizes limits property owners with smaller lots from accessing the benefits ADUs can bring to their property.