A. Purpose: The purpose of this section is to provide for construction of Accessory Dwelling Units in order to accommodate the housing needs of residents. The specific purposes of this section are to:
1. Create new housing units while respecting the appearance and character of single- family dwellings;
2. Provide housing that responds to changing family needs, privacy standards, and household sizes;
3. Make more efficient use of existing housing stock and infrastructure; and,
4. Encourage the creation of additional affordable housing.
B. Performance Standards:
1. Location: Accessory Dwelling Units may be located on detached single-family lots in residential zoning districts. Accessory Dwelling Units are not permitted in conjunction with two-family dwellings, townhomes, or multiple-family dwellings.
2. Type: Accessory Dwelling Units may be attached to or located within single-family dwellings. Accessory Dwelling Units are also permitted in, or attached to, detached accessory structures. The location and design standards of all Accessory Dwelling Units in attached or detached accessory structures shall be required to meet the standards of section 11-6 of this title.
3. Single-Family Dwelling Standards: Accessory Dwelling Units in combination with their associated single-family dwelling must conform to all City Code requirements for single-family dwellings, including but not limited to setback, height, recreational vehicle, commercial vehicle, and accessory structure standards.
4. Number: No more than one Accessory Dwelling Unit is permitted per residential lot.
5. Size: Attached or detached Accessory Dwelling Units must be at least two-hundred fifty (250) square feet in area and shall conform with the area limitations contained in section 11-6-6 of this title. In no case shall the Accessory Dwelling Unit exceed the area of the principal dwelling unit.
6. Parking: A minimum of one (1) off-street parking space shall be provided for the Accessory Dwelling Unit. The required off-street parking space is in addition to those required for the principal dwelling unit.
7. Utilities: Accessory Dwelling Units shall use the same water and sanitary sewer connections and water meter as the single-family, detached dwelling. Separate utility metering for the Accessory Dwelling Unit is prohibited. On lots without municipal water and sewer, an application for an Accessory Dwelling Unit must be accompanied by a written report from a licensed Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Inspector that includes the following: 1) compliance inspection, 2) review of the on-site septic system to ensure that it is sized correctly for the additional dwelling unit and 3) review stating that there are no conflicts between the existing septic system and the location of the proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit. The report must be completed to the satisfaction of the city or its authorized representative.
8. Appearance: Accessory Dwelling Units shall be designed and maintained as to be consistent with the architectural design, style, appearance and character of the principal structure as a single-family residence; the appearance of a two-family dwelling must be avoided. If the Accessory Dwelling Unit extends beyond the current footprint or existing height of the main building, such an addition must be consistent with the existing facade, roof pitch, siding and windows.
9. Home Occupations: Home occupations are allowed within an Accessory Dwelling Unit pursuant to section 11-5-17 of this title.
10. Ownership: The owner of the property shall reside in the principal dwelling unit or in the Accessory Dwelling Unit. Accessory Dwelling Units may not be subdivided and may not be otherwise separated in ownership from the associated single-family dwelling.
11. Addressing: Accessory Dwelling Units with an exterior entrance different than the principal dwelling unit shall be identified by "Unit A" following the primary property address (e.g., 123 Main Street Unit A).
12. Building Code Compliance: The Accessory Dwelling Unit and the associated single-family dwelling must meet current Minnesota State Building Code provisions as adopted in Title 10 of this Code. (Ord. 222, 1-14-2021)