After years of debate, Lexington allows homeowners to add accessory dwelling units
Lexington residents who want to convert garages, attics or basements into small apartments or accessory dwelling units will be able to do so soon under a new pilot program.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council voted unanimously Thursday to approve a series of ordinances that would allow accessory dwelling units in neighborhoods.
It’s taken more than three years for the controversial proposal to move through the council and the plan has been tweaked multiple times over the years.
The newly approved rules have gone through a host of changes since initially discussed in 2019. During a September Planning and Public Safety Committee meeting, the council voted not to allow detached units, sometimes referred to as tiny houses. Much of the concerns raised about the ordinance involved detached units.
Those who favor accessory dwelling units include those in the aging and disability community who say the living spaces allow people to remain in neighborhoods, close to family and out of institutionalized care. Others say the ordinance provides an affordable housing option when rents and home prices are skyrocketing.
Many that oppose it, including many of Lexington’s neighborhood associations, say the proposal lacks teeth and is ripe for abuse.
The proposal would allow one accessory dwelling unit per lot. The maximum allowed size for an attached unit would be 800 square feet, in most cases. In some cases, depending on the size of the house, the maximum could be 625 square feet.
A key exception is for basement units which can be the full footprint of the house.
The plan:
- Requires an owner to live in the home or the accessory dwelling unit.
- Forces an owner to get a conditional use permit if the accessory dwelling unit is to be used as a short-term rental — such as an Airbnb.
- Limits the number of people in an accessory dwelling unit to two adults and any related children.
- Requires owners to meet with planning staff prior to building an accessory dwelling unit.
The pilot program will be evaluated after a year.
This story was originally published October 29, 2021 at 7:12 AM.
