In support of ADU ordinance

Annapolis homeowners: Can build a garage? YES! Can build a tennis court? YES! Can build a pool? YES!

If you meet safety, environmental, and notification requirements, why would Annapolis legislate against what you do with your property?

And yet, today, you are not allowed to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). You may have that garage, but not the studio apartment over the garage. Enter Ordinance O-9-21, a long overdue effort that addresses cumbersome legislation of the past. But even this ordinance, without amendment, attempts to dictate how one uses his or her home.

The stigma of ADUs stems in part from their rental potential, making them a scapegoat for issues including parking congestion and absentee landlords. Real data show that these problems are not caused or exacerbated by ADUs. An ADU, like a garage, pool or tennis court, is a feature of somebody’s home. As members of the Annapolis community, it behooves homeowners with ADUs to remain in good standing.

Join me in encouraging our legislators to pass O-9-21 with amendments to allow basic freedoms to homeowners. Having an oven in my existing walkout basement apartment means I have an ADU. I choose to short-term rent this part of my home to offset my mortgage and so that I may welcome my octogenarian parents to this private space whenever we please. When not occupied by family, I rent to families visiting their midshipmen and couples on romantic getaways who in turn take the water taxi downtown and spend money at places that are hungry for business to survive and thrive.

I and other homeowners would like to have freedom in our own homes and contribute to a bustling Annapolis economy whilst having flexibility to use our homes for our own families whenever we choose.

Laura Hanby, Annapolis

Vicki Marsh, Deale