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2.0 QUESTIONS ABOUT ACCESSORY DWELLINGS 2.1 What is an accessory dwelling? Accessory dwelling units (ADU) generally are small housing units for 1 or 2 individuals, used to provide a greater range of housing choices in single-family detached housing districts on lots at least 11,000 square feet in size. It is an additional permanent, but smaller, subordinate dwelling unit on a lot either within an existing or new house (such as an accessory apartment), or on the same lot (such as a guest house). Because this is generally allowed in a single family district and the predominate housing type is owner-occupied detached housing, in most cases the owner of the property also lives on the site. A mobile home is not considered an accessory dwelling. An accessory dwelling unit that meets the expected requirements of the City Code could be allowed in the R-1 and R-2 zones or on any multi-family-zoned lot developed with an existing single family detached dwelling. Guest houses usually occur on larger lots - at least 15,000 s.f. In Roseville there are 2,234 parcels of at least 15,000 s.f. with one residential structure and zoned R-1 or R-2. There are 226 such lots located within Roseville's primary shoreland zone (300 feet or less from the shoreline of a DNR designated lake). 2.2a Why would Roseville encourage accessory dwellings? Accessory dwelling units could serve a need in Roseville because they: 1. Provide a range of housing choices in existing buildings and neighborhoods; 2. Provide additional dwelling units while minimally increasing housing densities, at minimal costs, and with little disruption to existing neighborhoods; 3. Allow individuals and smaller households (seniors, generally) to retain large houses and residences by remodeling for an accessory unit; 4. Provide opportunities for elders or younger relatives to live in close proximity while maintaining a degree of independence and privacy. 2.2b Why would Roseville discourage accessory dwellings? Accessory units could create land use problems because they: 1. Turn into rental units of unrelated individuals and it is hard to limit the number of occupants. 2. Many times have non-professional homeowner construction and maintenance; 3. Design details may not be sensitive to other structures in the neighborhood; 4. Parking and access can be a problem if not installed with construction; 5. Create more impervious surfaces (more roof and parking surfaces); 6. Could create a safety problem (access) in areas where ofthe existing house is not accessible or there is no alley or corner access. 7. Could create utility connection (water and sewer) challenges on some lots. 2.3 What conditions will allow for the establishment of an ADU? An accessory dwelling unit may be created through the following: 1. Internal conversion within an existing dwelling; 2. Additions to existing house or garage (and be located at least 30ft back from the front property line); 3. Conversion of an existing garage if it is set back at least 30ft from the front property line and provided additional parking can be found on the site; 4. Inclusion in development plans for, or part of, the construction of a new single family detached dwelling unit; or 5. A separate detached dwelling unit that must be located at least 6 feet from any structural element of the primary unit. 6. All permits are required including Conditional Use, Building, Occupancy, and Rental License. 2