City Commission Postpones Revisions to ADU Parameters – tallahasseereports.com

On January 17, the Tallahassee City Commissioner considered introducing a new ordinance regarding the definition of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). The current definition of an ADU in the Tallahassee Land Development Code explains that it is a single dwelling unit “sharing ownership and utility connections with a principal structure on a single property.”

The proposed ordinance would revise the definition of an ADU to allow for an ADU to have a unique address and utility connections from that of the principal residence on the property, improving the feasibility of using it as rental housing and making it a more appealing investment for property owners to pursue.

However, Jake Kiker – a public speaker on the issue – proposed the Commission approve an update to the ADU size limitation. Mr. Kiker noted that this revision would provide consistency and more affordable housing options.

Kiker gave an example to the Commission, explaining that when he and his wife did a ground up construction on two town home units, he had met with city staff to do an ADU on each unit; However, he learned there was a provision in the ADU code that limits square footage to no more than 40% of the primary residence size. He noted that during the original development he had built the homes at 1,400 sq. ft. stating, “We wanted to do something that fit with the urban fabric”. He continued, “Well by doing that, that means the ADUs we’d like to build can be no more than 560 sq. ft.” He then noted that the median square footage for a one-bedroom unit nation-wide in 2023 is 757 sq. ft.

Additionally, Kiker proposed that Tallahassee develop pre-approved ADU plans similar to other states. He stated, “We have the FAMU School of Architecture which I think has some talented folks who could work with local architecture and design firms to put the same type of housing inventory on the books for our ADU process.”

During Board discussion, the city manager suggested testing new recommendations with Tallahassee neighborhoods stating, “All of these conditions have been put about based on relationships with our neighborhoods, so I would evaluate that first.”

Mayor John Dailey proposed further action be postponed until the Commission could have the opinion of the neighborhoods. The Commission unanimously approved to mot introduce the ordinance.