Post #2059: Town of Vienna, Accessory Living Units FAQ, from the 11/13/2024 Planning Commission Meeting.

Posted on November 25, 2024

Prepare to bow before our machine overlords

In case you’ve never heard of an Accessory Living Unit (ALU), it’s what I’d have termed a mother-in-law suite.  It’s a piece of your house that’s been made into its own dwelling unit.  Meaning, at a minimum, having its own bathroom and kitchen.

But does it need to have its own external entrance?

I don’t know, give me a second, let me ask the AI.  It says:

Outside Entrances for ALUs: Not Required, but Regulated

So there you go.  Below, in blue, is Google’s NotebookLM AI summary of the 11/13/2024 meeting of the Town of Vienna Planning Commission discussion of accessory dwelling units within the Town of Vienna (reference).

AI will sometimes make profound mistakes, so don’t assume this is 100% accurate. But, a) this is a good use case for it, owing to much of the material being dry-as-dust (it’s a zoning ordinance change, for crying out loud), and b) near as I can tell, this looks correct in all major respects.

I did this for the novelty of AI.  But I got what seems to be a perfectly satisfactory summary of that meeting.  With the realization that the AI was mostly parphrasing what the Town said it its official documents.  That said, that’s kind of what I’m looking for — just the bare facts.

If all you need is a fairly good summary of the issue, this will do.  At the cost of a few minutes’ time.  Skim it.   It’s worth the read for the content.  The AI novelty is just a bonus.

I’m going to lie down and be obsolete now.

Edit:  I have now replaced the original lengthy text with an AI-generated FAQ, in blue text, below.

 

Vienna, VA Zoning FAQ: Accessory Living Units (ALUs)

What are the proposed changes to Vienna’s zoning code regarding ALUs?

The Town of Vienna is considering amendments to Chapter 18 of its zoning code to permit the development of attached ALUs within single-family detached residential zones (RS-10, RS-12.5, and RS-16). An ALU is defined as a secondary residential unit that is structurally part of, connected to, and clearly subordinate to the primary single-family detached dwelling unit.

The proposed amendments include the following:

  • Size limitations: ALUs may not exceed 800 square feet or 40% of the primary dwelling’s floor area, whichever is smaller.
  • Parking Requirements: One off-street parking space would be required per ALU bedroom or sleeping quarter. The current driveway curb cut serving the primary dwelling must be utilized; no additional curb cuts are permitted.
  • Owner Occupancy: The property owner must reside in either the principal residence or the ALU.
  • Leasing Restrictions: A minimum lease term of 12 months would be required for ALUs. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are prohibited.
  • Prohibition on Certain Uses: Family day homes would not be permitted to operate within an ALU.

What was the reasoning behind proposing these amendments?

The amendments were drafted in response to several factors, including:

  • A desire to increase housing diversity: The Town Council engaged in a series of work sessions focusing on housing diversity and exploring ways to expand housing options.
  • State Legislation: A state bill was introduced in 2024 that would have mandated localities to permit ADUs in single-family zones. While this bill did not pass, the Town Council is proactively considering options that align with the Town’s vision.
  • Community Support: A 2021 community survey indicated significant support for allowing ALUs in various configurations.

What are the potential benefits of allowing ALUs in Vienna?

  • Increased housing affordability: ALUs can provide more affordable housing options for individuals and families.
  • Additional housing choices: ALUs offer diverse housing arrangements for extended family members, aging parents, or individuals seeking smaller living spaces.
  • Potential to generate income: Homeowners can potentially generate rental income from ALUs.

Are there any concerns about allowing ALUs in Vienna?

Yes, some concerns have been raised:

  • Increased density: Some residents are concerned that allowing ALUs will increase density and strain existing infrastructure, such as schools and roads.
  • Impact on neighborhood character: There are concerns that ALUs may alter the character of established single-family neighborhoods.
  • Parking and traffic: The potential increase in vehicles and on-street parking due to ALUs is a concern.

Where can I find the full text of the proposed amendments?

The draft ALU Zoning Code Amendments are available as Attachment 1 to the November 13, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting Agenda, accessible on the Town of Vienna website.

How can I provide input on the proposed ALU amendments?

The Planning Commission held a public hearing on November 13, 2024, to gather community input. The Town Council is scheduled to hold its public hearing on the proposed amendments on November 18, 2024. Residents can attend these meetings to voice their opinions and concerns.

What happens after the public hearings?

After the public hearings, the Planning Commission will provide its recommendation to the Town Council. The Town Council will then consider the Planning Commission’s recommendation, public feedback, and other factors before voting on whether to adopt the proposed amendments.

When will these zoning amendments take effect?

If approved, the amendments are anticipated to become effective on January 1, 2025.