New San Marcos Accessory Dwelling Unit Guide Posted Online
“We’ve received a lot of inquiries from residents interested in constructing an Accessory Dwelling Unit since adoption of Code SMTX in April,” said Planning Manager Abby Gillfillan.
The City’s Planning and Development Services Department has developed a comprehensive guide on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), or secondary living spaces constructed on single family lots, that is available online at www.sanmarcostx.gov/adu.
“We’ve received a lot of inquiries from residents interested in constructing an Accessory Dwelling Unit since adoption of Code SMTX in April,” said Planning Manager Abby Gillfillan. “This informative and easy-to-read document will be a valuable resource to property owners, residents, and the development community.”
The online ADU guide answers common questions surrounding the construction of an accessory dwelling, including:
- Ownership and location requirements
- Site requirements
- Building standards
- Permit process
Accessory dwelling units may be part of the primary living space (such as a converted garage) or a separate structure on an owner occupied, single-family property.
The structure may be rented to provide additional income to the homeowner. ADUs can benefit the community by contributing to the supply of affordable and diverse housing types to meet the varying needs of San Marcos residents.
ADUs may also provide housing for extended family, or may be rented short-term when registered and compliant with the City’s Short Term Rental Ordinance (posted online at www.sanmarcostx.gov/str.)
For more information, contact Planning & Development Services at 512.393.8230 or planninginfo@sanmarcostx.gov.
Great. Everybody build a little shed in your backyard so you can rent it out. Thanks, COSM, for adding to our too many cars, too many renters, no neighborhood ambiance issues.
Another question: how can you add another person/family/renter onto a single family property … and claim it is still a single family property?
I would like to know why you have to be “owner occupied, single-family property” to be able to build an “Accessory building”. Why am I not aloud to build a storage shed for my renter?
I guess cosm has decided they want to dictate to private property owners what they can or cannot do on their property, including building a shed for an older gentleman renter to put his woodworking tools in.
Local government overreach and they are getting way out of control.
Alexandra, this article is about regulating Accessory Dwelling Units, not storage sheds. “Dwelling” as in someone would be living in it or renting it for a short term.