Newport City Council is considering zoning amendments that would allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in residential areas, a move mandated by state law but raising concerns about neighborhood density and short-term rentals.
The proposed changes, presented by Zoning Officer Nicholas Armour, would permit homeowners to build ADUs up to 900 square feet for studios and one-bedrooms, or 1,200 square feet for two-bedrooms. The units would be limited to properties of at least 20,000 square feet for new construction, while smaller lots could convert existing structures.
Councilor David Carlin expressed strong opposition to the changes.
“This is a bad zoning amendment,” Councilor Carlin said. “The notion that we want to make a denser community, that we want to allow buildings on property that was formerly not allowed to construct what is known as an accessory dwelling unit at 900 square feet or below, will change the very character, the very nature, not only of the third ward, but of Newport.”
Armour emphasized that without passing a local ordinance, the city would be subject to even looser state regulations on ADUs. The proposed amendments aim to restrict ADU size and bedroom count to the minimum allowed by state law.
Councilor Charlie Holder questioned whether ADUs would actually increase affordable housing, noting there are no rent restrictions.
“Unfortunately, you know, to build the cost of building ADU, the property values, it’s only going to go up,” Holder said. “It’s not going down with more. With another dwelling unit on your property.”
While ADUs are prohibited from being used as short-term rentals under both state law and the proposed ordinance, some council members expressed skepticism about enforcement.
Watch the meeting and discussion here.
The Council is expected to host a second reading on the zoning amendments at their August 28 Council Meeting.
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