ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADUS)

If you are a homeowner in Kent, have you considered building an ADU?

First, what is an ADU?

An ADU is basically an apartment associated with a single family home. They are also sometimes called accessory apartments, granny flats, or in-law suites, among other terms. You likely have heard that Connecticut, along with a number of other states, have legalized ADUs. New York is currently debating legislation to allow them throughout the state. It is notable that Kent has long permitted ADUs throughout much of the town.

Kent Affordable Housing would like to see more of ADUs built as they are a way to create smaller, potentially more affordable housing throughout town on existing lots.

Why might you want to build an ADU?

Building an ADU is expensive, but there are a lot of very compelling reasons to do so, such as:

• To have a more accessible, more manageable home to move into on your own property when the time comes to downsize. Existing downsizing options for seniors are very limited in Kent. Templeton Farms currently has a waiting list of over 70 people.

• To create living quarters for a caregiver if you want to age in your home, or another helper such as an au pair.

• To create a home for young adult children, who will undoubtedly have a difficult time finding an affordable place of their own in the area, or elsewhere.

• To provide a source of passive income. By renting out your ADU, or your primary home if you move into your ADU, you can generate income.

• To increase your property value.

Where in Kent can I build an ADU?

Everywhere! In addition, throughout most of the town, an attached ADU is allowed ‘by right’ - meaning no hearing or other discretionary action by the Planning and Zoning Commission is required.

What are Kent’s regulations for ADUs?

The ADU regulations are found in Section 6200 of the Planning and Zoning Regulations. They are very permissible, and don’t have common restrictions on ADUs such as limiting the size of the ADU to a percentage of the principle building’s square footage, prohibiting separate metering, or only renting to a family member. Visit the Kent Planning and Zoning page to check the current regulations, as they are frequently updated.

Financing ADUs

Home equity loans and cash-out refinancing are two of the most common ways to finance the construction of an ADU. However, the Biden administration announced in May 2022 that “FHA and FHFA are exploring avenues to help lenders pilot and scale renovation and construction financing for ADUs—particularly for low- and moderate-income homeowners…” so there may be additional options available in the future.

Can we help?

If you might be interested in building an ADU, please email us at info@kentaffordablehousing.org. We’ll see if there’s any way we can assist.

Duplexes

In addition to having generous regulations for ADUs, Kent also allows duplexes throughout all of town. The only area where they are not allowed by right, but require a special permit, is in the Birch Hill District south of the town center.