Keep your friends close, your mother-in-law closer

PALMER — Mothers-in-law have made it on the Palmer City Council agenda.

Council will discuss amending its municipal zoning code to add a definition and specify the uses of accessory dwelling units, also known as mother-in-law apartments. The discussion and public hearing will take place tonight at the Palmer City Council meeting at Palmer City Hall. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.

“One of the goals of writing this ordinance is to protect single-family homes,” said Sara Jansen, community development coordinator for Palmer.

If approved, the ordinance would ensure homeowners have a right to construct mother-in-law apartments as part of their single-family homes, Jansen said. It also would set basic guidelines for homeowners to follow.

According to the ordinance, before a homeowner constructs an additional apartment, whether for a family member or to rent, he or she must get a permit from the city’s zoning administrator.

Following approval, detached units can only be built on lots that are a minimum of 20,000 square feet. Apartments attached to a main house must follow the style of the original structure, while detached units must conform with local exterior standards. Additionally, a living unit must be at least 300 square feet but no more than 900 square feet.

Kevin Brown, a member of the Palmer Planning Commission, said the guidelines are an important part of establishing mother-in-law units as a more prevalent housing option in Palmer. The ordinance also would ensure new development doesn’t clash with existing homes.

“It protects the character of residential neighborhoods,” Brown said.

One area that could benefit from the zoning modification would be downtown residential areas, Jansen said. Mother-in-law apartments are a good way to add more living space to the downtown area without congesting the area with too much new construction.

Although guidelines will be set, the ordinance isn’t expected to limit the use of these apartments in Palmer, Jansen said. In fact, the units can benefit homeowner and the city. For example, it could provide additional space for family members without overloading a particular lot in the downtown area with new development.

“What an accessory dwelling unit does is it helps keep families together,” she said.

Brown said mother-in-law apartment additions can be especially useful for elderly members of the family. Instead of moving to a senior center, an older person could remain with his or her family and still maintain independence.

Contact Chris Gillow at chris.gillow@frontiersman.com or 352-2284.