Back in the day, Westport’s rules for “accessory dwelling units” — detached structures, away from a main house — were strict.
They could include only 2 of 3 plumbing fixtures: sink, toilet or shower. Kitchens were not allowed. They could not be rented out. They functioned more like pool houses.
Regulations covering accessory barns were even tighter: no bathrooms, kitchens or central heating. They had to be used for livestock, or to store farm products, equipment or feed.
Rules were strict on the use of barns on private property. (Photo/Michelle Perillie)
The only legal “accessory dwelling units” (ADUs) were those with special approval, proven to be “historic” structures.
In 2021, all that changed.
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved ADUs. There are restrictions on footprints and heights, based on the size of the entire lot. But the new regulations opened up Westport’s housing stock, to residents looking to downsize, and those who cannot afford to rent larger homes.
ADUs provide added income for residents going through life changes — a lost job or divorce, say, or those whose children have moved away and want to move into a smaller place on their own property, while renting out their larger home.
They’re also great for au pairs and nannies.
A 1,400-square foot, near net-zero Westport ADU designed by John Rountree.
ADUs are part of a nationwide movement to add options to typical suburban housing patterns.
The only problem: Not manyWestporters are aware that accessory dwelling units exist, or can be built.
The Planning & Zoning Department has issued just 30 permits since 2021. That’s about 10 a year — less than one a month.
John Rountree knows about — and appreciates — ADUs. An architect specializing in net zero energy homes, he has already designed several.
A typical construction: a 1,400 square foot “barn aesthetic” ADU. It features a large 1-story space in front (with kitchen, bathroom and dining area), and a 2-story space in back. There is a sleeping loft on the mezzanine level.
The ADU could be used for an office, guest cottage, or rental apartment.
Accessory dwelling units are “basically small houses,” Rountree says. Most are 1,200 to 1,400 square feet (a typical Westport home is 3,000 to 6,000 square feet).
The style of an ADU should match the existing home, Rountree says. “It’s just a smaller scale — smaller windows, and everything else.”
Another John Rountree-designed ADU.
The footprint of an ADU is 850 square feet on lots of up to 1.5 acres. A second floor will add more total square footage, though there are height limits too.
“The idea is not to to overwhelm the property,” Rountree says.
There are other restrictions. ADUs must have a septic system, or tie in to the town sewer.
Rentals must be for at least 6 months (Airbnbs are not allowed). The owner must reside on the property, in either the main dwelling or the accessory one.
Rountree recently designed an ADU for clients whose adult daughter will initially live there. As they get older they plan to move in themselves, and rent out the home they now reside in.
The architect enjoys working on ADUs, because plans come together quickly.
Builders like them too, because they can work without interfering with the daily lives of residents of the main house.
John Rountree
Rountree notes that on a cost per square foot basis, accessory dwelling units may be more expensive than large homes, which have a greater economy of scale.
Costs are lower for existing structures with foundations — a detached garage, say, or barn — that can be repurposed into ADUs.
Rountree is trying to spread the word that ADUs are legal, and practical. Most Westporters, he says, are unaware they’re an option. When they find out, many are intrigued.
ADUs do not work for every property. Building a new septic system can be expensive. Some properties do not have space that would work well. And because 3 off-street parking spaces must be provided for a house with an ADU, some homeowners might have to enlarge their driveway.
Those are questions architects like Rountree are ready to address.
After all, the goal is to add more accessory dwelling units to more addresses, for more robust housing stock all over town.
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Congratulations to John Rountree for promoting. this concept. ADU’s are great. The concept has been in place in the Town of Redding for many years and has proven very successful. Unfortunately spearheaded by Matt Mandell RTM1 and Seth Braunstein RTM6 the RTM has voted to impose a fee on anyone who wants to build one.