Salem's Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance Back Up For Debate

SALEM, MA — Salem's much-discussed Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance will get another round of debate during a joint meeting of the City Council and Planning Board Tuesday night.

The ordinance, which would allow property owners to rent out small units of their primary residence at more affordable rates, has twice fallen short of the required two-thirds majority support from the City Council. But a change in state law this year means it could pass through a simple majority vote.

If approved, the ordinance would allow homeowners to rent out small portions of their house, such as an in-law or basement apartment. The apartments would be between 300 and 800 square feet with a possible exception for up to 1,000 square feet if approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The apartments could not be used as short-term rentals, would only be allowed if the primary property owner lived at the residence, must be attached to the property and would be restricted to one unit per property.

Ordinance advocates, including Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll, argue that accessory dwelling units increase the amount of affordable housing inventory in a city where that is a critical need.

Opponents argue they have the potential to overrun neighborhoods with below-market-rate rentals and potentially exacerbate traffic and density issues.

"I'm hopeful the Council will move this forward and help address our housing challenges by adopting policies that will help young adults, working families plus older residents maintain their ability to call Salem home," Driscoll said in promoting the meeting on Monday.

The public forum can be accessed here with the password 612181.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.