POLICY ANALYSIS
Encouraging Production
of Accessory Dwelling Units
Improving bylaws concerning these oft-overlooked options would add much needed
rental inventory while providing homeowners with an income stream.
Cape Cod is in desperate need of more housing. As the
economy grows and young professionals are needed
to fill jobs in healthcare, professional services, and of
course, tourism, smaller units must be created.
But traditional options for it—namely large apartment buildings—
can be controversial and take a long period of time to build.
That is why the Smarter Cape Partnership, a coalition of the
leading business, professional, educational and economic umbrella
organizations on Cape Cod including HBRACC, have thrown their
support behind improving bylaws to make the building and renting
of Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, easier. ADUs can be
anything from a separate cottage or carriage house on a property to
an in-law apartment above a garage or in a basement.
Increasing the supply of available ADUs provides more
housing options without developing more land or ruining the
character of our community. With more ADUs built where
appropriate, young professionals and students on Cape Cod will
be more likely to stay on the Cape and older residents will be able
to “age in place” easier.
According to the Cape Cod Young Professionals ‘Shape the
Cape’ study, housing availability and affordability is one of the
main reasons young professionals either do not locate on Cape
Cod or simply leave the region altogether.
The current rental market on Cape Cod is just too small, and
that lack of supply drives up rental prices. The types of rentals
tend to be too big (3BR houses) and expensive for some segments
of the population while affordable housing excludes those with
moderate incomes, like young professionals, fishermen, and
students who may make a decent income but have to spend a
large amount of it on student loans or other expenses.
Better ADU bylaws would make it easier for homeowners
to rent out accessory units on their property. The model bylaw
supported by Smarter Cape removes restrictions that create hurdles
and disincentives for homeowners. At the same time, it creates
design standards, restricts unit size to be subordinate to the main
dwelling, and maintains
important wastewater,
community character,
and other regulations.
To ensure ADUs are
rented to locals rather than on a short-term basis, the model bylaw
prohibits AirBnB type usage. Smarter Cape Cod recommends a
one-month tenancy minimum, while some towns such as Falmouth,
have incorporated a much lengthier six-month minimum.
Accessory units are great option because they create
affordability in two categories—increasing attainable rental options
and creating an income stream to make a home more affordable
for owners. Allowing existing homeowners to create more rental
opportunities without adding more bedrooms or bathrooms than
allowed under existing zoning strikes a great balance of more units,
while keeping the charm and character of Cape Cod intact.
One huge benefit is that the ADU adjusts as the homeowner’s
situation evolves. At first, a couple might rent out their ADU to
a friend to help pay a mortgage. Once they begin a family, they
might use it for an in-law or a nanny for childcare purposes.
Once the kids leave the house, they might find themselves caring
for an elderly parent in that ADU. As they themselves become
older, they might bring in their own caregiver to live in the unit
or move into the unit themselves as ownership changes hands as
a son or daughter moves into the main house with their family.
The model bylaw, drafted by the Cape Cod Commission
would allow owners to go before the building commissioner and
not the entire planning board for a new ADU permit. It would
also remove restrictions as to whom you could rent and longterm
deed restrictions (while still maintaining a minimum).
Members of the coalition supporting these changes include:
HBRACC, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, CCYP, Cape
Cod and Islands Association of Realtors, OpenCape, Cape Cod
Technology Council, and Cape Cod Community College.
Falmouth and Truro have already adopted versions of the
model bylaw and several other towns are considering it for
Special Fall (2018) or Spring (2019) Town Meeting. But passage
requires community support. For more information or to get
involved with the Smarter Cape advocacy effort, visit www.
buildasmartercape.com or email info@buildasmartercape.com.
AT HOME ON CAPE C 60 OD • FALL/WINTER 2018
Stefanie Coxe of Nexus
Werx LLC is a consultant
for the Smarter
Cape Partnership.
BY STEFANIE COXE
/buildasmartercape.com
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