ADUs are accessory dwelling units. These are additional spaces or buildings on a property used as housing. These spaces are most typically used as a living space for extended family members, such as elderly parents who can’t live alone.

Currently, Huntsville zoning code does not allow such units to be built. If you wish to build an additional dwelling unit in your backyard, or convert your garage to an additional living space, you will be violating Huntsville zoning code.

Legalizing ADUs gives more control to homeowners in addressing housing needs of family members, friends, and other members of the community. Instead of addressing housing needs with an endless supply of towering apartment complexes, we can allow small ADUs in our own backyards.

If you’d like to learn more about ADUs, check out AARP’s The ABCs of ADUs.

AARP has excellent resources on ADUs that I recommend checking out

AARP – All About Accessory Dwelling Units

What do you think about ADUs? Think its needed in Huntsville? Comment below your support or concerns.