TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — On Monday, the City of Tampa announced policy reforms to make it easy for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units, often called mother-in-law suites.
An ADU is a secondary housing unit on the same property as a primary residence that includes a finished interior with an independent kitchen, sanitary, and sleeping facilities.
Often, ADUs are tiny homes or small dwellings above a detached garage.
In July, the Tampa City Council approved updated regulations for ADUs that include the following:
- ADU conversions may now be considered in legal non-conforming structures subject to meeting the requirements of the Florida Building Code. This change makes it easier for homeowners to convert existing structures like detached garages into ADUs.
- The homeowner can now reside in either the ADU or the primary house.
- Changed language from allowing a maximum of 2 occupants to 2 unrelated occupants.
- Expanded the geographic area where ADUs were allowed.
“Implementing these common-sense reforms for accessory dwelling units will set the framework for our residents wanting to pursue an ADU on their property,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “Over the last few years, we’ve doubled the number of areas in which ADUs are allowed, and now homeowners even have the option of moving into the ADU and renting out their primary home.”
City officials hope this change will help alleviate the housing crisis in the Tampa Bay area by increasing the availability of affordable housing to residents.
To learn more about ADUs visit tampa.gov/ADU.