YPSILANTI, MI -- In what one city council member called “an important beginning point to responding to our affordable housing issues,” Ypsilanti elected leaders advanced a proposal to allow accessory apartments, like carriage houses and retrofitted garages, while giving a preliminary OK to other zoning changes aimed at boosting the housing stock.
“I don’t see this as being anything but good for our community,” said Council Member Brian Jones-Chance, Ward 1.
If the zoning changes get final approval, accessory dwelling units will be permitted in all parts of Ypsilanti zoned residential, extending the opportunity to roughly 3,000 more properties, according to city planners.
This map, prepared by City of Ypsilanti planning staff, shows the reach of the proposed expansion of where accessory dwelling units (ADUs) will be permitted. The zoning change will be heard by City Council for the first time on Sept. 14, 2021.Provided by City of Ypsilanti
Others heaped praise on the expansion of permissions for secondary apartments on properties with an established primary residence.
Annie Somerville, a council member representing Ward 3, said she hopes to see more housing options in the next decade as a result of the zoning changes.
One resident who spoke in favor of the ADU expansion explained that the option to build or retrofit accessory apartments will especially help older residents.
“When you’re older I think you’re happier closer to family,” Valory Brown-Tooson said. “It reduces the cost for families.”
City Planner Andy Aamodt clarified at the meeting that while the zoning code allows for home offices, residents won’t be able to use ADUs as commercial businesses, like a bed and breakfast or an auto shop.
The accessory units can’t be taller than the primary residence, he added.
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The amendment to the city’s zoning code passed with six yes votes and one council member, Jennifer Symanns, Ward 2, absent. It will come back before council for final approval.
Along with the changes permitting accessory apartments, the ordinance also relaxes the minimum lot dimensions for single-family residences, which could allow some property owners to divide their lots in two for home construction.
City council also gave its OK to allowing higher-density development in residentially-zoned corner lots, permitting townhouses and duplexes on these properties. All of the changes stem from an update to the city’s master plan approved in the spring.
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