Trustees debate whether accessory dwelling units should be allowed by permit or right

Codifying a living arrangement that allows aging parents, adult children with disabilities or other family members to live together in a single-family home, but while maintaining a degree of autonomy with a separate entryway, was up for discussion among Northbrook trustees Tuesday.

An accessory dwelling unit is a small house or apartment that shares a lot with a standard-sized single family home and has a kitchen, bathroom, and areas for living and sleeping. There are both attached and detached accessory dwelling units, and the focus of Tuesday's discussion was on attached units.

A distinction was also made between accessory dwelling units and accessory living units, sometimes referred to as "in-law suites," the latter of which is separated from the principal living space by an interior door rather than a wall.

During November, a resolution to amend the village's zoning code to allow only attached units by special permit approval failed by a 4-5 vote. Following discussion at Tuesday's meeting, the board of trustees voted to direct the Planning Commission to proceed.

Accessory dwelling units are not currently codified, or defined, in the village's zoning code.

Four trustees - Robert Israel, Muriel Collison, Daniel Pepoon and Joy Ebhomielen - stated that the units should be allowed by permit, while two, Heather Ross and Johanna Hebl, said that they should be allowed by right of the homeowner.

Part of the discussion centered on keeping a distinction between ADUs, in which members of the same family would reside, and rental units and duplexes. It was noted that ADUs are required to have an entrance to the side or rear of the residence.

"I've had mixed emotions about this. I really like the idea of attached ADUs," Israel said. "I am all for keeping families together, and I think multigenerational households are a wonderful boon, but I think thrusting acceptance of multifamily housing onto what is currently single-family housing is inherently unfair."

Ross said requiring homeowners to obtain a special permit for ADUs could pit neighbor against neighbor, and as a result may create reluctance for the homeowner to make the change to their living space. Homeowners would not be so hesitant if it were their right to add an ADU, she said.

"I still support ADUs as a matter of right," Ross said. "I think, basically, it addresses housing needs that can't be met in other ways."