The League of Women Voters of Salem (LWVS) endorses the Affordable Accessory Dwelling Unit (AADU) ordinance.
The League’s affordable housing working group studied previous versions of proposed ADU ordinances. When we review ordinances, we do so in the context of the US and Massachusetts League positions on affordable housing. The League’s formal goal is to work towards access to decent housing and a suitable living environment affordable for all. The League supports programs, policies and regulations to address the housing needs of low- and moderate-income families and individuals. The previous versions were well intentioned, but lacked a regulatory approach and left the affordability component to market forces. In the time between the original ordinance and this one, a housing needs assessment for Salem noted, “There is a significant mismatch between the size of Salem’s housing units and the size of households. Salem has a significantly higher proportion of smaller households than smaller housing units. Larger units are generally more expensive in regard to not just mortgage or rent payments but also energy costs. This mismatch limits the availability of financially attainable housing options for smaller households.”
The ordinance submitted on 11 February includes affordability in the definition of an accessory dwelling unit, capping rent at 30% below Salem’s market rate as set by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development. Further, the ordinance requires a letter of intent by the homeowner committing to the rent restriction as part of the application process, and it clarifies who is responsible for enforcement.
While this ordinance will not solve the housing crisis, it will create and formalize rental options that can benefit homeowners and home seekers by repurposing existing spaces. As a side note, creating livable space within the confines of an existing building, in this case a home or garage, reduces the need for construction of new buildings and the consumption of land, energy, materials, and financial resources. It is our opinion that this is a small step in the right direction, and we look forward to working with the community and council so that this is finally passed.