City Hosts Open House On Accessory Dwelling Units

An open house was held February 28 on a proposed ordinance amendment creating an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) registration system in Rapid City's residential districts.  The City's Community Development Department hosted the open house at the Rapid City Public Library.

            An ADU is a second dwelling unit on a lot that has its own separate eating, sleeping, and sanitation facilities. The owner of the ADU, who must reside on the same lot, may rent the ADU for periods of one month or more. ADU’s can be attached, detached, or internal to a primary structure and are smaller in size and scale to the main residence.  Sometimes ADU’s are referred to as “basement apartments” “granny flats” “mother in law units” or “backyard cottages.”

            This ordinance applies to rentals of apartments for long-term use of 28 days or more and would not apply to short term rentals.  The ordinance would not apply to short-term rentals such as AirBnBs. 

            Currently in Rapid City, ADU’s are not expressly allowed by the City’s code, according to Community Development Director Ken Young.  However, the City’s Comprehensive Plan addresses ADU’s as a strategy to remove barriers to housing diversity in the community, and to support the creation of affordable and workforce housing options.

            “The ADU permitting system is an opportunity to diversify Rapid City’s housing supply," said Young. "ADU’s are attractive to a broad segment of the population including students, seasonal workers, young professionals, and family members of the property owner.”  

            The Open House was an opportunity for residents to learn about the ordinance and provide comments on the proposed permitting system that would regulate the development and operation of ADU’s within Rapid City.

            More information about the proposed ordinance can be obtained by calling the Community Development Department at 394-4120.