The City Council on Tuesday night on first reading approved additional dwelling units (ADUs) throughout the city. Currently, they are allowed only in the Form Based Code area.
City officials said it will be a way to increase needed housing stock and utilize existing infrastructure while not altering the residential character of neighborhoods.
The maximum size for the ADAs is 700 feet and they are not allowed in front yards - only at the side or rear.
Their maximum height was set at 24 feet.
The owner of the property must live in either the main house or the ADU.
An ADU cannot be paired with a condo or townhouse.
The property where the ADU is situated cannot be subdivided from the main house.
Accessory dwelling units, alternatively known as in-law suites, carriage houses or granny flats, are often found above garages, in a detached structure, or either above or below the principal dwelling. Officials said their construction will help address the city’s current deficit of more than 5,000 housing units while providing space for seniors to age in place and for multi-generational households to live together.
“We’ve reached a critical point where many Chattanoogans are worried about being priced out of living in Chattanooga,” said Mayor Tim Kelly. “This ordinance offers an immediate opportunity for residents to increase their property values and the city’s affordable housing supply, all while maintaining the character of our neighborhoods.”
The ordinance does not supersede homeowner association rules or historic district guidelines related to accessory dwelling units, and existing parking must be maintained or replaced if parking is lost in the course of creating the accessory dwelling unit. ADUs must follow all design standards applicable to single-family detached houses.
The city is also supporting a council initiative to rethink short term vacation rentals, which often vacuum up residential property at commercial prices and prevent residents from accessing those homes, administration officials said.
For more information, visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_bRbvsI3PN58GNYyAM14auu8MCRDEdTl/view