Planning Group OKs Accessory Apartment

At its Jan. 19, 2012 meeting, the Ann Arbor planning commission unanimously approved a special exception use at 3645 Waldenwood, which will allow an accessory apartment to be added to the single-family house there. It’s located in the Earhart Estates neighborhood, west of Earhart and south of Glazier Way, in the city’s northwest side.

According to planning staff, this is only the second time a special exception use has been requested for an accessory unit since the accessory dwelling ordinance was crafted in the early 1980s. Several commissioners expressed support of this project and for accessory units in general. “Accessory dwelling units can be an asset to our community and I hope we see more in the future,” said commissioner Erica Briggs.

The apartment would be used by parents of the home’s owner, Laura Damschroder. No rent would be charged. The addition would entail a one-car garage and a 596-square-foot one-bedroom apartment with a kitchen, living room and bathroom. It would attach to the existing 3,608-square-foot house.

Only two people – Damschroder and the project’s architect – spoke briefly at the public hearing. Planning staff recommended approval.

This brief was filed from the second-floor city council chambers at city hall, 301 E. Huron St. A more detailed report will follow: [link]