With some estimates stating that Utah will need to build 178,000 housing units by 2030, cities like Millcreek should consider Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to increase housing supply for residents. Commonly referred to as mother-in-law apartments, ADUs are living units with a kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom that can be built on the same lot as a single-family home. As it stands, Millcreek is proposing a decrease to the minimum lot size for single-family homes that want to build an ADU to 6,000 square feet, require one required parking stall per bedroom, and increase the maximum ADU size to 1,000 square feet.
While these changes are a good start, Millcreek can go further in its code changes to provide renters with much-needed housing options and more homeowners the chance to build ADUs as an investment.
ADUs can assist in providing more housing options for individuals and help homeowners build wealth or maintain economic security. Known as “Age-friendly” and “community-conducive” for their minimal impact on neighborhoods, ADUs can offer young people entry-level housing choices and allow older individuals to age in place. Also, ADUs can provide supportive income to homeowners and be a good, stable investment in a property for retirement.
To make building ADUs easier for homeowners, Millcreek should develop pre-approved ADU standards plans. Additionally, Millcreek should clear costly hurdles for ADU development by relinquishing parking minimums or waiving parking requirements altogether for ADUs built near bike infrastructure and transit and reducing minimum lot size standards to 5,000 square feet.
Talk to your Millcreek City Council members and let them know that ADUs are a win-win — they can provide more housing opportunities for residents and can be a meaningful financial investment for homeowners.
Rob Tennant, Millcreek
