Bill > SB87

This bill aims to address Delaware's housing shortage by requiring local governments to permit the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), which are secondary residential units on the same lot as a primary single-family home. The bill defines ADUs as complete independent living spaces with their own cooking, sleeping, and sanitation facilities, and mandates that local governments allow at least one ADU by right on lots with single-family dwellings within one year of the act's effective date. Local governments must permit ADUs that are attached, detached, or contained within the primary dwelling, and allow them to be used as rental housing. The bill prevents homeowners' associations or other agreements from prohibiting ADUs and restricts local governments from implementing overly burdensome application or permitting processes. Importantly, the legislation recognizes ADUs as a valuable housing solution that can help seniors age in place, provide affordable housing options, support family caregiving, and promote more compact urban and suburban growth. The bill is part of a broader effort to address Delaware's significant housing shortage, with the state currently being short approximately 19,000 affordable housing units according to the Delaware State Housing Authority's 2023 Housing Needs Assessment.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142043