The Chanhassen City Council has unanimously approved an amendment to its ordinances to allow for construction of “Detached Accessory Dwelling Units” (ADU) on residential properties in the community.
At its June 9 meeting, Planner Rachel Jeske recounted the year-long timeline it took to come to agreement on the regulatory changes. A number of residents have sought approval for smaller homes adjacent to their existing residential houses, according to the city. Housing for parents or caretakers were among the most frequently cited uses.
According to the new regulations, the units will be allowed in Agricultural Estate (A-2), Rural Residential (RR) and Residential Single Family (RSF) zoning districts within Chanhassen. Applicants will need to secure a conditional use permit prior to construction.
Properties in the RSF zone must be at least an acre in size to qualify for permit approval. Homeowners on lots less than an acre in size would have to apply and secure a variance to proceed.
Proposals for ADUs will require a public hearing, and homeowners within 500 feet of the properties would be notified in advance of such hearings. The City Council has final say on any request for ADUs, and can place “reasonable” conditions on the conditional use permits (i.e. vegetative screening, etc.)
Rules require that the one-bedroom units must be at least 200 square feet but no more than 960 square feet in size. They must include a bathroom and separate kitchen facilities. The smaller homes must be a permanent structure (i.e. not on wheels) and can’t be taller than the principal structure on the lot.
Finally, property owners must occupy one of the homes on the property and the ADUs can’t be used as a rental property.
According to Jeske, approximately 371 properties in Chanhassen are an acre in size or more.
Council Member Haley Schubert said residents have expressed concerns about homeowners advertising the new structures for short-term rentals on Airbnb, VRBO or Zillow.
Jeske said the city uses special software to monitor such websites to make sure local property owners aren’t renting to tourists.
Mayor Elise Ryan added the prohibition on short-term rentals is well defined in the city code.
“People try to skirt the system on this and other aspects,” Ryan said. “I know city staff is going to pay attention to it, and it’s something that we wanted to make sure is clear.”
