Accessory Dwelling Units

 

Commonly referred to as in-law apartments or carriage homes, accessory dwelling units (“ADUs”) are private living quarters with all the amenities you would expect in an apartment or single family home including a kitchen, bathroom and living space.  They are secondary housing units to a primary single family residence and are commonly attached to a home, located in a basement, above a garage, or a tiny house in a backyard.

As the average household size in White Bear Lake has decreased dramatically since the 1970’s, homeowners are finding they may have more space than they need, but still prefer remaining in their single family house.  An ADU offers them the ability to utilize extra space to provide housing for relatives or a caregiver, or as an income generating use by renting out the space to a tenant.

 

Planning for an Accessory Dwelling Unit

Considering the addition of an ADU to your home?  Family Housing Fund's Home + home Twin Cities ADU Guidebook suggests the following steps in your planning process:

  • Research: Determine what your goals are and how they can be achieved within the City's zoning code
  • Design Ideas: Work on your own or with a designer to visualize your ADU ideas to meet your goals
  • Team Selection: Learn about the different types of development teams, what to prepare when contacting a company, and considerations when hiring a company and signing a contract
  • Finances: Learn about resources to help make an informed decision; learn about potential financing options
  • Permits: Call the Community Development Department to start the process of securing a conditional use permit to have an ADU on your property.  Ensure you or your contractor works with the Building Department officials to secure the necessary building permits
  • Construction: Learn what to expect during construction and understand your responsibilities
  • Move In: Secure a rental permit if renting the ADU to a non-relative; research resources on how to be a landlord

 

White Bear Lake Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations

Accessory dwelling units are regulated in the Zoning Code under Section 1306.030. ADUs are allowed by right on properties with a lakefront house or detached house. Some relevant key provisions:

  1. ADUs can be located within the existing principal structure or within a detached accessory structure.  
  2. ADUs must have a minimum square footage of 200 square feet and may not exceed 880 square feet or 50% of the floor area of the principal dwelling unit (whichever is less).
  3. At least one of the dwelling units on a lot occupied by an ADU must be occupied by the owner.
  4. The owner of the property must file an affidavit with the city and record a deed restriction stating the owner agrees to all applicable restrictions before the ADU can be approved.
  5. If you are renting an ADU to a non-relative you are required to have a rental license.

 

Accessory Dwelling Units Benefits

Accessory Dwelling units benefit not just homeowners, when built they can benefit the whole community as well.

Homeowner Benefits:

  • Help Family: Create housing for a loved one, or on-site housing for a caregiver
  • Age in Place: downsize without having to move
  • Earning Income: generate additional income by renting out the ADU to a tenant

Community Benefits:

  • Expanding Housing Options: As the population ages, family structures shift and more people are interested in living in White Bear Lake, ADUs can offer a subtle way to increase housing choices available in our community
  • Aging in Place: As people reach different milestones in life, their housing needs may change while attachment to their home remains.  An ADU may allow a person to stay in their home longer by adding an additional source of income or providing space for a caregiver to live
  • Multi-generational housing: Parents of adult children may notice it is more difficult for their children to secure housing affordable to them in the area than it was when they were young adults.  ADUs could provide an opportunity for those adult children to live in and contribute to the community, while maintaining the independence they desire
  • Reducing Environmental Impact: Due to their smaller size, ADUs tend to have a reduced impact through less energy use for heating, cooling and lighting.  Newly designed and constructed units may be able to further reduce impact through resource saving design concepts

 

Helpful Resources

Visit the links below for more Accessory Dwelling Unit resources:

 

Questions

If you have questions contact the Community Development Department at 651-429-8561.

 

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