ADU rules should be fair to everyone

Sunnyvale is updating its rules for which homeowners are allowed to build ADUs (accessory dwelling units or “granny suites”) on their lots. The current rules restrict ADUs to lots that are larger than 8,000 square feet. Only approximately 12 percent of Sunnyvale lots are this big. This lot size restriction is unfair to the 88 percent of homeowners whose lots are smaller.

Every homeowner should have the same right to build an ADU if they want to and can meet the other normal building requirements. Sunnyvale needs to make it possible for many more homeowners to build ADUs as a way to add more affordable housing in Sunnyvale. Please contact the Sunnyvale City Council and tell them you do not want a minimum lot size requirement for adding an ADU. They are voting Tuesday, so please contact them right away. — John Cordes, Sunnyvale