Newport News is considering allowing residents on single-family lots to have a second dwelling on their property — a move that would allow the city to increase its housing stock and provide more options for people seeking a place to live.
The Planning Commission on Wednesday unanimously recommended allowing accessory dwelling units in the city. They are small, independent dwellings with their own living, bathroom and kitchen spaces.
They can include carriage houses or garages turned into apartments, and are often used as in-law suites, a place for college-aged children to live on their family’s property separate from the main house, or as an affordable housing option for tenants.
The commission recommended that accessory dwellings be allowed as a by-right use within all zoning districts where single-family dwellings are permitted. They can be part of a detached structure on the same lot as the single-family primary residence or attached to the side or rear of the principal structure with a separate entrance.
“Allowing this type of development on single-family property provides homeowners the ability to meet the evolving needs of families and households,” city planner Nyoka Hall told the commission. “(The units) can help provide an adequate supply of housing, as well as help older persons age in place and provide for a wider diversity of housing within sought-after neighborhoods where cost burdens cannot be overcome.”
The recommendations came with several regulations to ensure that the overall character of neighborhoods wouldn’t drastically change, including size and height limitations and ensuring that the units have a similar architectural style as the primary structure. The proposal also requires the property owner to occupy either the principal dwelling or the accessory dwelling as their primary residence.
Some commission members wondered if residents could use these units for short-term rentals, such as Airbnb. Newport News Assistant Director of Current Planning Flora Chioros pointed out that the proposed regulations specifically state that an accessory dwelling cannot be used as a short-term rental.
Furthermore, the regulations state that if an accessory dwelling is leased, the lease term shall not be less than 30 consecutive days. The lease must comply with all local rental regulations, including occupancy limits, licensing and inspections.
“The whole purpose of adding an accessory dwelling unit is to add housing stock to our area,” Chioros said. “So, if you’re trying to add housing stock and then you use it as a short-term rental, you’re not really adding housing stock. You’re just using it for transitional housing.”
Chioros said allowing accessory dwellings was something the city had “wanted to do” and had been sought after by several residents.
While ADUs would be a by-right use, Chioros said that a building permit would still be needed if a resident wanted to build a new structure on the property.
The matter is expected to go before City Council for a vote on Sept 10.
Earlier this year, the General Assembly considered legislation requiring localities to allow accessory dwellings in single-family residential zoning districts, but the House’s Counties, Cities and Towns Committee ultimately decided to continue the legislation to 2025.
Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com
