Cheyenne council approves change easing rules for accessory dwelling units

The Cheyenne City Council approved on Jan. 26 an amendment to the Unified Development Code that removes the owner-occupancy requirement for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and adjusts how parking requirements are applied.

Dan Dorsch, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County, told the council the change is “a creative way to add more housing” and would allow configurations such as “flat-over-flat” units. Planning director Charles Bloom explained technical changes: units will be required to provide separate entrances, separate egress windows where bedrooms are in basements, and independent water/shutoff controls. The revised parking language allows reliance on existing UDC provisions, including use of a driveway or available on-street parking in some cases rather than a separately provided parking space.

Councilmembers discussed safety, neighborhood character and the ordinance’s intent to expand housing options. Dr. Rennie said he had concerns based on experience in other communities where ADU conversions changed neighborhood character and indicated he would vote no; other members, including Dr. Emmons and Mr. Moody, supported the change as a tool to expand affordable housing supply.

The amendment passed on second reading by council voice vote and will be incorporated into the UDC update process and published as final ordinance language.

Ending: Council directed staff to finalize ordinance text and update administrative procedures; implementation details and any regulatory guidance for ADU construction will be handled by the Planning Department.