NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Affordable housing is harder and harder to come by. Between a high demand and low inventory for cheap housing, people are left with limited options.
According to Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones, one of the main reasons it's so difficult to find affordable housing is because “it's just so expensive to build homes.”
To help make housing more affordable in Newport News, city leaders are recommending a new option for renters.
The city is working to pass a new policy for accessory dwelling units. Mayor Jones said, if passed, this policy will help add more affordable housing options in the city, bringing more people into the area.
“This is a way to have people move into your community and increase your tax base, but at the same time, lower the entire cost of housing for everyone,” Mayor Jones said.
Accessory dwelling units, or ADU’s, are living spaces independent from single family units. Meaning they have their own living, kitchen, and bathroom spaces.
“It’s a way to keep single family homes but add an attachment or accessory to the single family home,” Jones said.
Accessory dwelling units can be fully detached from a primary residence or even in a garage. However, If the second living unit is put up for rent, the lease must be longer than 30 days. Short-term rentals like Airbnb’s would not allowed under this policy.
The mayor explained, “you can only do so much, but I think this is going to be the first step in many to have more housing available here.”
If passed by Newport News City Council, the accessory dwelling units will be permitted in all zones where single family dwelling units are allowed.
Council is set to meet in September to discuss this policy.