More people than you realize struggle with housing affordability. Divorce, job loss, mental and physical health issues, advanced age, and countless other difficulties can affect anyone. When people reach a point where they can’t afford a high mortgage payment or rent and have few options to downsize to, many end up moving away from friends, family, and the life they have built.
We think that people who build a life in Cedar Park should be able to stay in Cedar Park. Having flexibility in our housing options gives more people the ability to weather life’s storms, to keep their kids in the same school, to live closer to family, and to stay in the community they know.
There is no single solution to address this challenge, but improving housing options certainly helps. Cedar Park Strong members created a proposal that will bring practical, needed updates to the City’s existing accessory dwelling unit ordinance. You can view the proposal here to follow along with this article:
>>> Click here to read the accessory Dwelling Unit Proposal <<<
How Small ADU’s Make a Big Difference
What is an ADU? Accessory dwelling units are small homes that property owners can build on their existing lot.
The current ordinance restricts ADU’s to the point that they are neither practical nor economical to build, which is why you don’t see many.
Why do we need ADU’s?
First, An ADU provides a flexible, separate space. Got aging parents, friends, or kids that need a place to live but buying a whole separate house isn’t an option? Enjoy hosting visitors from out of town but short on bedroom space in your house? An ADU can meet your needs.
Second, they are fare cheaper than buying a lot and building a standalone single family residence (SFR) on a lot. Being able to build another small home without the burden of having to buy land dramatically reduces cost.
Third, ADU’s are a good way for people to preserve and build wealth. Families keep money in the family instead of paying rent. People who need help covering a mortgage can earn extra money by leasing out unused space on their property. ADU’s give renters who want the benefits of living in a neighborhood a low cost way to do so.
I live in an HOA / deed-restricted neighborhood. Does this affect us?
No, HOA bylaws determine whether you can build an ADU. An HOA neighborhood that wants to make use of this ADU update would likely need to update their bylaws.
What’s the size increase?
This proposal brings the maximum ADU size from 650 sq/ft to 1,000 sq/ft or 50% of the primary residence size, whichever is greater. Keep in mind, an ADU size is still subject to current setbacks and available space on the lot. Why do we need this? 1,000 sq/ft is a more practical, useful size when two people, such as young parents and a child or someone needing more space for a wheelchair, will live there. For larger lots with large primary residences, the 50% option allows an ADU size more proportionate to the house.
What about the driveway?
Many lots are deep enough for an ADU in the backyard, but not wide enough to accommodate the additional driveway required in the current ordinance, so ADU’s don’t get built. This update removes the requirement for an additional driveway and leaves the decision to the homeowner. If they way to widen their existing driveway, they can, but leaves the choice to them.
Where would ADU residents park? In the garage, driveway, or street. Is giving more people the flexibility that ADU’s offer worth another car or two in a neighborhood? We think so. Realistically, would you even notice another car in a neighborhood?
Open to Anyone
This update removes the “immediate family” and employees requirement. This language does not reflect modern habitation arrangements and unnecessarily intrudes in people’s private lives.
This update removes the restriction for any leases to extend past the sale of a residence. The normal home sale process already handles common issues, such as leasebacks, existing tenant carryover, and extended closing periods.
Private Entrance
Attached ADU residents should be allowed to have a separate entrance rather than have to walk through the primary residence to reach their living space. This language removes the prohibition on having a separate door, giving people who live in ADU’s the autonomy they deserve.
Garage Conversion
Some older homes have a detached garage with an existing foundation, walls, and roof. There is no need to tear down a useful structure to rebuild essentially the exact same structure, so this update removes the prohibition on garage conversions. Garage conversions are a common way ADU’s are built. Any conversion would still have to be brought up to current building standards (plumbing, AC, etc). The garage would still have to be updated to be in keeping with the architecture and building material of the principal structure.
A View is OK
A view is nice, and ADU’s should be allowed to have a view. This update removes the restriction on a detached ADU’s door being visible from a street.
Prefabs are OK
Prefabricated buildings that meet the building standards should be allowed. These method of building has come a long way. Buildings like this one are among the great-looking, economical possibilities.
How can I support this ADU proposal?
- Follow the Cedar Park Strong Facebook page to stay in the loop about the ADU reform effort.
- Share this article with your neighbors.
- Stop by one of our monthly meetups
- Talk with your council members and let them know why you support his reform.