New housing amendment in consideration for accessory dwelling units

The Huntsville planning commission has submitted an amendment to build accessory dwelling units in certain neighborhoods in three different zones within the city, and is currently waiting approval by the Huntsville City Council.

Accessory dwelling units are suggested in an effort to address affordable housing concerns in Huntsville, which is becoming an increasingly high priority across the nation, especially in growing urban areas.

What are accessory dwelling units?

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are small, secondary extensions to a primary residence such as a house. You can convert basements or garages into an ADU, which is a way of increasing living space in or around your home without having to “share” your primary, personal space.

Often times ADUs are seen as guest houses or in-law suites. Although they are smaller than the primary residence, they are much more affordable and can allow a very comfortable extension for one to two tenants.

Why ADUs?

Huntsville is considering ADUs especially for the care of elderly family members and for children returning home from college. Allowing ADUs in Huntsville would increase the number of housing units available by some amount as the demand would decrease, if even just a little bit.

Urban growth naturally spurs on certain concerns for local citizens. One of the main concerns on people’s minds today is affordable housing with the recent booming of the real estate industry, and suburban developments increasing more and more in the Huntsville and Madison area.

Are you interested in accessory dwelling units? It may be time to make building plans for your home.

Want to know what’s happening in and around Huntsville? Follow Hville Blast on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.