Mohave Today

Tempe will continue exploring options and seeking public feedback about the expanded use of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), as directed by the City Council last week.

An ADU is an independent, smaller, rentable dwelling unit located on the same lot as an existing, standalone single-family home.  In 2019, Tempe was among the first cities in Arizona to approve an ordinance adopting new regulations for ADUs.

In their Nov. 20 Work Study Session, Councilmembers expressed a desire for deeper community outreach on potential updates to code regulations that allow ADUs. The council wants to ensure that residents, HOA leaders and other stakeholders have ample opportunities to share their input on city plans.

To date, the city has offered two meetings (one in person and the other virtual), conducted an online survey and maintained an ADU webpage with updates. Additionally, the city’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission voted to recommend proceeding with further research and draft ADU regulations with the next steps.

Going forward, the city will do more research and analysis and seek more public feedback. No dates or locations have been set for public meetings but based on community input, meetings will be held at multiple locations in the city to increase accessibility to residents in all neighborhoods. Find updates when available at tempe.gov/ADU or sign up to receive city news.

Tempe is among a number of cities in the state looking to ADUs to help address myriad needs in the city. Among the potential benefits, ADUs can:

• Increase the city’s affordable housing stock with alternate smaller housing units. Coupled with the city’s other affordable housing strategies, ADUs can ease housing burdens for struggling individuals and families.
• Create housing diversity with this alternate housing type, as called for in the city’s Affordable Housing Strategy.
• Add incremental density while maintaining the character of a neighborhood.
• Provide opportunities for multi-generational living. This can create a lifeline for “sandwich generation” families caring for their own children and their older parents.
• Allow for aging in place. As an Age-Friendly City, Tempe could support options for older homeowners to downsize on their own property.
• Help generate a new source of income for homeowners.

The current Zoning and Development Code permits ADUs on Multi-Family zoned properties that already have a single-family home, which limits the number of properties citywide that qualify. Updates being considered would expand ADU eligibility to include Single-Family Residential zoned properties.

Following further analysis by the city and additional public meetings in 2024, next steps include drafting ADU regulations and concepts for consideration by the City Council. The City Council has the option to restrict certain uses, such as short-term rentals. A future Work Study Session will be scheduled with City Council for further guidance.

Learn more about ADUs at tempe.gov/ADU. Those interested may also watch the Nov. 20 Work Study Session and read the background materials.

 

Media contact: Susie Steckner, susie_steckner@tempe.gov or 480-604-6128.

Original source can be found here.