Greenburgh To Consider Allowing Accessory Dwelling Units

GREENBURGH, NY — Accessory dwelling units could be allowed in the town of Greenburgh.

The town’s Accessible Viable Living Committee has assisted in drafting a proposed local law that would allow accessory dwelling units in Greenburgh.

According to Supervisor Paul Feiner, the draft law is modeled on best practices identified in other Westchester communities.

He said the accessory units are complementary to a primary residence and would be allowed in single-family district by special permit approval.

The units are designed to be similar to a small apartment, as example, converting a garage or adding to the primary residential structure.

Feiner said the law would specify that only one accessory unit would be allowed per site, with square footage ranging from 400 to 800 square feet.

He said the underlying zoning requirements, such as setbacks and impervious coverage, would have to be adhered to, and owner-occupancy would be required on the site. There would also have to be one off-street parking space per bedroom in the accessory unit.

The accessory units provide a broader range of housing options to a community and have been successfully implemented in numerous municipalities throughout Westchester and the state.

Feiner said, after adoption of a resolution referring the draft local law to the Planning Board, the Planning Board will review it at an upcoming meeting.

Following a recommendation and report from the Planning Board, the Town Board will hold a public hearing at a date to be determined in 2024.

The proposed local law can be read through this link.