Milford Considering Changes To Accessory Dwelling Units

MILFORD, CT — Milford zoning board members are considering how to change the city’s accessory dwelling unit regulations.

The full board voted last month to opt out of a state law that would’ve vastly loosened the accessory dwelling unit regulations. Several city officials, including Mayor Ben Blake, spoke in favor of keeping local control, but noted that it was likely time for the city to revisit its ADU regulations. The Board of Alderman voted Monday to opt out of the state regulations as well and maintain local control.

The state regulation would have allowed for accessory dwelling units to be added onto the main house, or to an accessory area, such as a detached garage. It also would allow the unit to be rented out, and didn’t dictate parking requirements.

Several residents spoke at a recent Planning and Zoning Board meeting and said they wanted Milford to loosen some of its ADU restrictions. Milford’s current rules require that an ADU resident be related by blood or marriage to the property owner, and rent can’t be charged.

City Planner David Sulkis shared a draft regulation with the Planning and Zoning Regulation Subcommittee Aug. 24, but noted that there was a wide range of ways the full board could change its ADU regulations. The draft would eliminate the relationship and rent restrictions. It would still require the residence to be owner-occupied, so single family homes wouldn’t become two-unit rentals.

The draft would still prohibit ADUs in detached garages or other buildings that aren't part of the main residence.

There was also discussion about what setback regulations should be incorporated, according to meeting minutes. Subcommittee members agreed to meet again in the near future to further discuss the draft and that public comment should be solicited.

The full Planning and Zoning Board would need to vote on any regulation changes.