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dwellings should be applied consistently to ADUs and other homes; if there is no owner occupancy requirement for primary residences, there should be none forADUs. O. Other Common Standards Not Recommended for Application to ADUs The following commonly used standards are no longer recommended for inclusion in ADU ordinances: • Density ofADUs in a zone or district • Age of principal dwelling • Size of principal dwelling • Tenure of current owner • Number, age, relationship and physical condition of persons who can live in the ADU • Annual renewal and monitoring of permits • Owner occupancy/residency on the some property III. Utility Connections and Building Codes A. Utility Connections New or separate water and sewer lines directly between the accessory dwelling unit and the trunk lines are not required unless the accessory dwelling unit is constructed before or in conjunction with a new single-family dwelling. Applicants may choose to use a shared water meter for the primary structure and the ADU or have a separate water meter installed for each. A best practice for municipalities is to not require new, dedicated lateral services from the utility/right-of-way to the property. These utilities include water, sewer, electric, and gas connections. Commonly, water and sewer services are provided in part by governmental agencies, whereas electric and gas utilities are commonly provided by private energy providers. Ideally, energy providers do not require ADUs to have a dedicated lateral service connection from the right-of-way to an ADU, as new connections often cost several thousand dollars. However, when energy utilities are publicly owned, then the some principle should apply. B. Local Building Codes Since many garages and basements weren't built to today's earthquake or frost line standards, requiring that a structure meet current code may effectively require demolition and new construction, thereby eliminating a realistic or feasible option for a structural conversion. Permitted, nonconforming structures should be allowed to change their use from a nonhabitable use to a habitable use without a conditional use permit or special exception from the building code, even if the structure does not meet current structural standards. This is commonly referred to as "grandfathering in" existing structures. This policy is critical in enabling structural conversions. There are several other key considerations for internal conversions related to existing ceiling heights and 43 1 HARP - Accessory Dwelling Units: Model State Act and Local Ordinance