Council adopts accessory-dwelling-unit ordinance with occupancy limits

The Evanston City Council adopted Ordinance 2601 on third and final reading, changing the city's code to regulate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and adding a new occupancy limit.

City attorney Mark Jacobson read a revision that limits an accessory dwelling to being "occupied by no more than one family," and defined "family" as persons related by blood, marriage or adoption, or persons on a temporary or intermittent basis providing caretaking services for a member of the occupant's family. "An accessory dwelling shall be occupied by no more than one family," Jacobson read to the council.

Council members said the ordinance and the recent edits addressed their concerns, and the council approved the ordinance by voice vote on third and final reading. The change narrows how ADUs may be used and clarifies occupancy standards for enforcement and permitting.

The ordinance will become part of the City of Evanston code; staff will proceed with implementation and public notification as required under local procedures.