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1. What are Accessory Dwelling Units

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a small dwelling, a structure where someone can sleep, eat and live in, that is located on the same property as a single family house.  They are typically small, and in the rear yard.

2. Will ADUs cause more Short Term Vacation Rentals (STVRs) such as AirBnB?

Technically, per the State of Florida Statutes, just about any residential space can be an STVR, regardless of the City’s code or rules.  Can an ADU be used for an STVR? Yes, but so can any house or condo.

3. Are ADUs going to be everywhere?

No, the new proposed code only allows them in zoning districts that allow for multifamily (more than one house or apartment on one lot), so those areas would only be east of 3^rd Street, and only in certain areas. There’s only limited places they can go.

4. Why does the City want these?

ADUs can serve two purposes.  The intent of adding them was to address a common theme heard at the public workshops, which was to preserve the neighborhood. By allowing ADUs, you allow existing homeowners to have a second small house.  This could be used for a mother-in-law suite, it could be rented as a full time apartment, or it could be an STVR.  The second reason is, if a developer wanted to, they could tear down the existing house, which is usually a one or two story, older home, and replace it with townhomes, condos or apartments that can be up to 3 stories high, and may include more units than a house and an ADU.  If we as a city want to keep more single-family homes, this is a compromise to make that easier and more cost-effective for the owner or possibly whomever may inherit that home. It’s an option, among many, but one that could make a difference by encouraging existing single-family homes to remain.