Still none of the expected big planning bills out yet.

ADUs (accessory dwelling units) continue to be points of contention in a number of communities since the passage of HB82 in last year’s legislative session.  Anecdotally I’ve heard several comments from different communities about them, not necessarily against them, but concerns about how they get implemented and what is done with them.  The biggest share of concerns seem to center around such units becoming short-term rentals (and associated with that, requiring that the homeowner live in either the main home or the ADU).  I just got a question about that very thing in a meeting last night.

To the topic, here’s a story about a meeting by Cottonwood Heights officials with their area legislators to talk about a number of issues, including ADUs.  Here’s a clip:

A majority of the 24 residents who attended the open house inquired about ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) and short-term rentals. Last year, the state legislature passed bill (HB 82) allowing ADUs in single-family zones. Cities throughout the state were required to update their zoning laws accordingly.

“We are creating the problem we tried to solve,” Reibe said. “(ADUs) are starting to be Airbnbs and short-term rentals. That was not the intention.”

Instead, the intention was to help provide solutions to the housing crisis in Utah. Both legislators mentioned their concern.

“Summit County is 70% vacant,” said Bennion, meaning 70% of the housing available within Summit County is used for short-term rentals or second homes.

“Moab is at least 15% vacant,” Reibe echoed. “We have to find more solutions.”

Both Bennion and Reibe shared that over 40% of the members of the Utah legislature are involved in real estate in some way.

They also mentioned they will be supporting a bill sponsored by Rep. Carol Spackman Moss (District 37) to alter the enforcement protocol for ADUs.

Rep. Moss does indeed have a bill file open for an ADU-related topic, so we will wait to see what comes of it.  In my opinion, ADUs are an excellent way to help address the housing issues in our state and it would be a real shame to see much curtailment of their availability.