Back in 2014, residents of established neighborhoods worked closely with city planners and councilors to create workable rules allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) into our older, single-family neighborhoods.
Unfortunately, those rules have been incrementally dismantled through amendments adopted in 2015, 2019, 2022 and 2023. All of these amendments allow for further ADU expansion and, consequently, more traffic and safety hazards.
Specifically, the changes have abolished requirements for on-street parking, minimum lot sizes for integrated ADUs and allow for previously prohibited variances.
Since 2014, about 160 ADUs have been registered, but another 70 exist that haven’t been fully documented. Yet, the city has no enforcement mechanisms to bring these apparent scofflaws into compliance.
City registration fees for an ADU total over $7,000. Consequently, out-of-compliance ADUs cost the city money, along with undermining neighborhood character and safety.
Nonetheless, yet another amendment to reduce minimum lot sizes for detached ADUs in Established Neighborhoods 2 and 3 will be heard by Council at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Through public comment, let the council know we treasure our older neighborhoods and want to preserve their character and protect them from excessive noise, traffic and safety hazards. Rescinding all the amendments made since 2014 would be appropriate instead of relaxing the rules further.
Chris Paulson
Durango
