Accessory Dwelling Unit is a very complicated title for a simple idea. An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a separate living space within what looks like a single-family home. Traditionally such units have always existed and have been identified as “mother-in-law apartments” or “granny flats” or “au-pair suites.” Calling them Accessory Dwelling Units makes clear that their existence as separate living spaces does not depend upon the family connections or employment of the occupants.

Our current Zoning Ordinance makes no provision for Accessory Dwelling Units. If someone wants to create a separate living space in the family home for a recent graduate who just started employment or for any other person, our ordinance requires applying for and receiving a special exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment before applying for a Building Permit.

Providing for Accessory Dwelling units would make the process much easier for those who want to create such living spaces. Having this provision will increase the supply of affordable housing without the need for more infrastructure or further land development. It will be useful to existing homeowners with more living space in the house than needed, provides opportunity for single parents, care-givers, and differently abled persons. It provides an easy way to integrate affordable housing into the community with minimal negative impact.

A recent change in New Hampshire State Law, which becomes effective June 1, 2017, provides that Accessory Dwelling Units shall be allowed in all zones that permit single family dwellings. The Planning Board thinks it wise for Andover to provide for Accessory Dwelling Units in a way that supports Andover’s small town and rural character.

This issue of the Beacon includes the Warrant Article for the March 2017 Town Meeting which would add Accessory Dwelling Units to Our Zoning Ordinance. If you have questions, any member of the Planning Board will be glad to answer them or send your questions to the Chair of the Planning Board: Nancy Teach nanceteach@nullgmail.com.