A New Jersey Senate committee on Monday advanced legislation that would require many municipalities throughout the state to permit accessory dwelling units (ADUs), including basement apartments, garage apartments, and other secondary residential units, while simultaneously prohibiting municipalities from requiring additional off-street parking for those units, FAA News reports.
On Monday, the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee voted 3-2 to advance Senate Bill S-1786, sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton and others, sending the measure to the full Senate for consideration. The bill has been reported on second reading.
Supporters argue that New Jersey is facing a severe housing shortage and that accessory dwelling units represent an affordable way to increase housing inventory without constructing large apartment complexes. The bill's findings state that ADUs can provide housing opportunities for young adults, seniors, veterans, students, workers, and persons with disabilities, while also creating additional income opportunities for homeowners.
Under the legislation, qualifying municipalities would be required to adopt ordinances permitting accessory dwelling units within 90 days. The bill would allow ADUs to have their own separate exterior entrances and would prohibit municipalities from requiring additional off-street parking spaces for the new residential units. The legislation also would prohibit municipalities from requiring fire sprinkler systems in many accessory dwelling units located within existing homes.
The parking provision has drawn particular attention from local officials.
In communities such as Lakewood, basement apartments are already common and generally trigger additional parking requirements based upon the number of bedrooms. Critics argue that adding housing units without corresponding parking requirements could worsen existing parking shortages and increase congestion in residential neighborhoods.
The New Jersey State League of Municipalities has publicly opposed the legislation as an intrusion into local zoning authority and has encouraged municipalities to adopt resolutions opposing the legislation.
Notably though, Lakewood Township officials have not publicly voiced opposition to the bill. Lakewood already permits basement apartments subject to local regulations and parking requirements, and it remains unclear whether township officials would support, oppose, or seek modifications to the proposed statewide mandate.
To join the FAA News community click here. It's a private group. No one will see your number.
No comments:
Post a Comment