Committee passes along more ADU recs

On Monday, the Planning and Neighborhoods Committee once again tackled the issue of accessory-dwelling units. This time, the committee heard the “controversial” aspects of the regulations, and their recommendations will now move on to deliberation by the full City Council. Committee members voted 3-1 to allow ADUs larger than 850 square feet, with a floor-to-area ratio of up to 0.15. Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo voted in opposition. They also recommended one parking spot per ADU, with grandfathering for older homes that do not have parking (with Tovo abstaining), and lowering the minimum lot size to 5,750 square feet (with Tovo voting in opposition). The committee also voted to look into a “preservation bonus” that would require anyone building an ADU to retain the front structure, with Council Member Sheri Gallo abstaining from the vote.