Cape Coral city leaders are considering a new approach to address the city’s affordable housing crisis: accessory dwelling units (ADUs). These small homes could provide more options for families struggling to find affordable housing.
Finding an affordable home in Cape Coral is increasingly complex. For someone earning the city’s average annual salary of $58,000, even a modest starter home is often out of reach.
“Under the definition, affordable housing would be about $250,000,” said Thomas Senatore, vice chair of the Affordable Housing Committee. “How many houses in Cape Coral are $250,000? There’s not a lot.”
ADUs are small homes, typically one bedroom and one bath, ranging from 400 to 800 square feet. They are currently only permitted on large lots, which are nearly an acre in size.
“You know, what, if you are the parent or grandparent, and your child or grandchild needs some help and assistance… You have an acre of land, I think that should be permitted,” said Senatore.
Some residents, however, worry that allowing more ADUs could alter the character of neighborhoods.
“They probably will be used for Airbnb and other rental opportunities,” said Josh Boyd, a Cape Coral resident. “People you know are trying to make money right now; times are tough, so they’re looking for affordable ways to recoup on any land that they currently own.”
Supporters of ADUs believe safeguards can prevent them from becoming too widespread. They see ADUs as a potential solution to Cape Coral’s housing shortage.
“If you have an acre of land, who are we from the city to tell them they can’t do it?” said Senatore.
The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee will decide tomorrow whether to recommend ADUs to the city council. If approved, this could represent a significant shift in how Cape Coral addresses affordable housing.