The City of Savannah as petitioner is proposing amendments to the Savannah Zoning Ordinance related to changes to the requirements associated with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), defined terms, and development standards.  The revisions will impact Sections 4.1.7 Building Measurements, 8.7.2 Generally, 8.7.4 Accessory Dwelling Units, 8.7.5 Caretaker Dwelling Unit as well as 13.2 and 13.5 Definitions of the Zoning Ordinance. 

These proposed amendments are designed to make incremental changes to the rules which govern ADUs, to make them feasible housing options in more areas of the city, and to protect adjacent properties from the impacts of over-building. In addition to proposed changes in development standards, there are also proposed changes to definitions.

As the City continues to address housing needs, ADUs will likely be a part of increasing availability and diversity of housing options and providing a more affordable alternative in the marketplace. If ADUs are going to be more widely permitted, the regulations must assure that existing residents are not impacted by issues related to building placement, scale or the provision of off-street parking.

On May 2, 2023, the Planning Commission recommended approval of proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance by the City of Savannah related to the requirements associated with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), defined terms, and development standards.  The revisions will impact Sections 4.1.7 Buidling Measurements, 8.7.2 Generally, 8.7.4 Accessory Dwelling Units, 8.7.5 Caretaker Dwelling Unit as well as 13.2 and 13.5 Definitions of the Zoning Ordinance.