Danbury Zoners Set Public Hearing For 'Granny Pods'

DANBURY, CT — The Zoning Commission has scheduled a public hearing over whether the city should allow residents to build "granny pods" on their property.

The pods, known more formally as accessory living spaces or garage apartments, became legal Jan. 1 through a new zoning enabling act that allows homeowners to build and rent to family or other tenants in residential and single-family areas.

There is a provision in the new law for municipalities to opt out following a two-thirds vote from the zoning commission and local legislators.

State regulations would prevent the expansions from being bigger than the lesser of 30 percent of the principal dwelling's net floor area or 1,000 square feet (some exceptions may be allowed).

The public hearing has been set for March 8.