Accessory Dwelling Units Yearly Update

In October 18th’s Planning and Public Safety Committee Meeting, Chris Taylor of the Division of Planning presented an update of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) over the last year in Lexington. ADUs are essentially a secondary, smaller residential space that exists on a lot in tandem with a traditional single-family house. Legislation allowing ADUs was adopted last year by City Council. Click here if you’d like a refresher on the ADU Ordinance Council passed.

Here are some quick stats on ADUs in Lexington since legislation was enacted:

• There are 5 ADUs existing or currently under construction. All 5 are studios or one bedroom dwellings, and the average square footage is 489 square feet.

• There are 15 units where the owner has completed a pre-application meeting ready to move to application completion.

• There were 8 completed pre-applications, but regulations prevented them from moving forward.

The Division of Planning is recommending ways to make ADU permits easier to attain, such as streamlining the application process, developing LFUCG funding sources for low- and middle-income residents, and clarifying zoning regulations.

After the presentation, much of Council was interested in allowing newly-built detached ADUs to make the form of housing accessible to more residents. Planning staff will work on recommendations for continuing the program at the beginning of 2023, and should present these recommendations to Council for approval by late spring 2023.