Committee raises ADU concept for public hearing after split debate on local control

The Planning and Development committee voted Feb. 13 to raise for public hearing a concept bill concerning accessory dwelling units (ADUs), advancing the proposal despite sharp disagreement over local control. Chair (Speaker 1) opened discussion by describing the measure as a concept the committee wanted to hear from the public.

Ranking Member (Speaker 4) said he supports ADUs in principle but opposed state-imposed mandates on towns, citing experience updating local rules. "I'm gonna have to be a strong no on this," he said, adding that towns know best how to regulate local development and that prior housing provisions have not fully taken effect.

Co-chair (Speaker 3) described potential elements the committee may consider at public hearing, saying, "One idea is to make sure that owner occupancy is not required," and suggesting predeveloped architectural plans as an option to ease ADU construction. She emphasized that those ideas are possibilities, not finalized language.

Committee member (Speaker 5) pressed for details and asked whether the concept would repeal towns' opt-out under Public Act 21-29; Chair (Speaker 1) and Co-chair (Speaker 3) repeatedly described the item as a concept without drafted language and said the Legislative Commissioners' Office and stakeholders will help draft any bill before public hearing.

Clerk/Staff (Speaker 8) called a roll to raise the concept. Members recorded a mix of "yes" and "no" responses during the roll call and the motion to raise the ADU concept for public hearing carried.

The committee left open the questions of specific provisions, owner-occupancy requirements and whether any repeal of existing opt-outs would be proposed; those issues and statutory implications will be addressed at the scheduled public hearing. The committee recessed and said the bill would remain open to further input before formal drafting and a future vote.