Moline seeks public input on accessory dwellings

The City of Moline is continuing to ask residents to weigh in on a proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance that the Moline City Council is considering. 

The ordinance would clarify how and under what conditions that single-family homeowners could add second housing units to their property. Moline’s current Code of Ordinances does not address the ADU types of housing. 

To help Moline residents better understand the issue, Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati will hold a second community input meeting at 6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 5, at Butterworth Education Center, 701 12th Ave., Moline. 

The Moline Plan Commission has been assisting in the ordinance’s creation and will hold a public hearing on the topic at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 7. 

The proposed ordinance identifies four types of ADUs:

  • Conversions of space in an existing dwelling unit.
  • Conversion of an existing free-standing structure.
  • Attached to an existing principal dwelling.
  • Garage conversion or garage expansion. 

Under the draft ordinance, ADUs would only be allowed in R-2 zoned areas, would require a special use permit and would require the property owner to reside in either the principal dwelling or the ADU. It also would limit the ADU’s square footage, height and outdoor living area. 

The city has said passage of the ordinance would provide a new option for additional housing stock and assist older residents wishing to remain independent. Other benefits include providing an efficient use of land in existing residential neighborhoods and increasing housing inventory without the need for additional infrastructure. 

Residents also are invited to comment on the proposed ADU ordinance here. For more information, email City Planner Sean Foley, sfoley@moline.il.us, or Ryan Hvitlok, city’s community and economic development director, rhvitlok@moline.il.us. 

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