Wake County leaders say backyard cottages and above-garage apartments are an easy first step to address an affordable housing shortage, but they’re struggling to get Raleigh on board.
County commissioners passed a resolution last week urging all municipalities in Wake to allow accessory dwelling units, sometimes called “granny flats.” They say the units, which can include free-standing apartments, can become reasonably priced rental spaces.
“It’s just kind of the low-hanging fruit,” said Sig Hutchinson, vice chairman of the commissioners.
Raleigh leaders are more skeptical and have spent years debating whether to allow the units. It remains to be seen whether the county’s recent expression of enthusiasm will be a tipping point.
Supporters of accessory dwelling units say they provide a way for homeowners to generate additional income while giving renters more options, sometimes at lower rent prices. Opponents cite concerns about parking, stormwater runoff and decreased privacy.
Wake County changed its development rules in 2014 to allow for accessory dwelling units. But affordable housing is considered most useful when it’s near transit lines and employment hubs, not the more-rural swaths controlled by the county.
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