Denver and Salt Lake City
Denver Council votes to allow Granny Flats:
In late June this year the City of Denver reversed a long standing ban on Granny Flats and included a provision allowing the building of new “Accessory Dwelling Units” in some neighborhoods.
Homeowners who have adequate space in their backyard can now build a small second home on top of a garage or completely on its own. Another family member or members can live there independently and, to make use of it when those people move on, these homes can be rented. It isn’t for everyone it seems, but only those whose property is zoned for a granny flat as a result of the new zoning ordinance.
The size of these homes is limited to less than 1000 square feet depending on the size of the lot down to as small as 650 square feet. There are other regulations governing location, setbacks, height and so on.
Sidekick Homes, a local purveyor of small homes, has seen a surge in the interest regarding granny flats in cities on the west coast and east all the way through Texas. City planners are realizing that the need for small affordable housing cannot be met through government funded projects and that ADUs are one way to allow individuals to house their own aging and less affluent family members.
Salt Lake City is accepting comments on their pending zoning ordinance to allow ADUs in their city. Anyone can share their experiences in other cities or your own personal story regarding Adus. Success stories are needed to give the citizens of Salt Lake some understanding of the benefits of an Adu. Send yours in today.
The City has a website specifically to provide information and to accept comments for their information in considering this ordinance. http://www.slcgov.com/opencityhall You can download a draft of the proposed ordinance, or a fact sheet which should answer many questions you may have.
