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Allowing Smaller Homes on Your Property

Official:Amending Section 14-604 of The Philadelphia Code (“Accessory Uses and Structures”) to modify certain restrictions with respect to accessory dwelling units, and making conforming technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions.

Sponsor: Councilmember Gauthier

Introduced: January 30, 2025

: Committee on Rules

housing land use zoning

Plain-Language Summary

This bill would change some rules about accessory dwelling units in Philadelphia, such as who can build them and where.

What This Bill Does

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Increases the maximum size of an accessory dwelling unit, allowing an increase of up to 10% in the overall size of the structure, rather than limiting it to no increase in size.
Modifies the locations where accessory dwelling units are allowed, permitting them on lots occupied by single-family use in attached buildings, in addition to detached or semi-detached buildings.
Allows accessory dwelling units to be located within the interior of the principal building or within a detached accessory building that exists as of the effective date of the Zoning Code.
Removes the prohibition on accessory dwelling units within historic structures.

Both Sides

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The case for

This bill promotes affordable housing and flexibility for homeowners by allowing for the creation of larger, more versatile accessory dwelling units (ADUs). This increase in size and flexibility will benefit homeowners who need to create affordable housing for family members, such as aging parents or young adults, as well as increase the overall stock of available housing units in the city.

The case against

This bill would require the city to increase its permitting and inspection workload, adding to the administrative burden and costs. Homeowners who convert their existing homes to include ADUs would be allowed to increase the overall size of their structure, which could lead to increased property taxes for neighbors. The bill also sets a precedent for future zoning code modifications, potentially allowing further expansions of ADUs, which could alter the character of neighborhoods and impact property values.

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