Spirited protests weren't enough to stop the Montgomery County Council from allowing accessory dwelling units (ADU) in parts of the county.
"The Montgomery County Council on Tuesday unanimously passed a zoning change allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs), also known as in-law apartments, in three residential zones of the county," reports Dan Schere.
"The zoning change will allow the apartments as attached and detached structures in zones where the minimum lot size is 6,000 to 20,000 square feet," adds Schere. "Attached ADUs must be limited to 10% of the lot area and less than 1,200 square feet. Detached ADUs must be less than 1,200 square feet except when occupying a basement."
County Planning Director Gwen Wright is quoted in the article saying the county could expect the development of about 100 ADUs per year.
The zoning change proposal sparked controversy and even protests on its way to approval. Rebecca Tan reported the day before the council approval about protestors wielding hand-made signs marching into the Montgomery County Council headquarters. County Executive Marc Elrich opposed the bill, too, "on the grounds that it would lead to increased traffic in neighborhoods and school crowding and cause aesthetic problems related to increased storm water runoff."
FULL STORY: Council Passes Accessory Apartment Zoning Change
ADU Controversy in Montgomery County, Maryland
The Montgomery County Council is preparing to vote on an amendment that would loosen restrictions on the controversial building type known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
Fort Collins Code Update Rescinded Due to ADU Opposition
It’s back to the drawing board for a development code update in Fort Collins, Colorado, after residents revolted against zoning reforms that include by-right development of accessory dwelling units.
San Diego Residents Challenge the City's ADU Regulations
Residents in some of the city's single-family neighborhoods worry about the potential impacts of ADU construction on local character and parking.
In Most U.S. Cities, Archaic Laws Limit Roommate Living
Critics argue laws preventing unrelated adults from living in the same home fail to understand the modern American household.
Ten Signs of a Resurgent Downtown
In GeekWire, Chuck Wolfe continues his exploration of a holistic and practical approach to post-pandemic urban center recovery, anchored in local context and community-driven initiatives that promote livability, safety, and sustainability.
Off-Peak is the New On-Peak
Public transit systems in major U.S. cities are starting to focus on non-rush hour travelers as pre-pandemic commuting patterns shift and transportation needs change.
Orange County Motel Converted to Supportive Housing
The renovated building offers 57 housing units and supportive services to people formerly experiencing homelessness.
The New Colorado River Deal: An Explainer
According to one analyst, the agreement approved by the states doesn’t go nearly far enough to protect the river in the long term.
Research Indicates the Large Potential Benefits of Parking Cash-Out Laws
‘Free’ employee increases driving. Parking cash-out laws reward commuters who use climate-friendly modes, which increases fairness and reduces traffic problems.
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
Code Studio
TAG Associates, Inc.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Montrose County
Knox County
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
