Q&A
Explanation for using 'ancillary dwelling unit' instead of 'accessory dwelling unit'
0:56:37
·
62 sec
Council Member Pierina Sanchez questions why the city is using the term 'ancillary dwelling unit' instead of the more common 'accessory dwelling unit'. John Mangin from the Department of City Planning explains the reasoning behind this choice of terminology.
- 'Accessory' is already a defined term in zoning with complex interpretations
- Using 'ancillary' avoids confusion and potential conflicts with existing zoning definitions
- The choice aims to sidestep historical complexities and prevent issues for plan examiners at the Department of Buildings
Pierina Sanchez
0:56:37
Okay.
0:56:38
Ancillary dwelling units.
0:56:40
Why is the city using the term ancillary dwelling unit?
0:56:42
What other jurisdictions?
0:56:43
Just call them accessory dwelling units.
Kim Darga
0:56:48
Yes.
0:56:48
I'm gonna I'm gonna like, I don't know.
0:56:52
So
Pierina Sanchez
0:56:53
Great.
0:56:53
I'm glad to
Kim Darga
0:56:53
have that.
0:56:53
Great.
0:56:53
Hear from the department of city planning.
John Mangin
0:56:55
Great question.
0:56:57
So accessory is already a defined term within the zoning that has it has one of the longest definitions in the zoning text, and has very highly specialized interpretations in many contexts.
0:57:10
I can say, my colleagues at city planning have spent a lot of time talking with our friends at DOB, around particular issues, with the accessory definition.
0:57:21
In order to sidestep that history, that complexity, and everything else to make sure that we were not, you know, stepping into a quagmire, we simply called them ancillary dwelling units rather than accessories so as to avoid any confusion among plan examiners or others in the future at DOB.
Pierina Sanchez
0:57:37
Got it.
0:57:38
Thank you.
