Cape Coral city leaders are considering a proposal to allow residents to add small homes to their properties as a solution to affordable housing needs amid significant population growth.Jennifer Nelson-Lastra, a member of the Cape Coral Council, explained that these small homes would be defined by Florida statutes as living units with separate kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping areas. “To me, this is the perfect solution to generational housing,” Nelson-Lastra said. “Whether you have elderly parents or you have adult kids who you can’t afford to be out on their own, it’s another affordable option for us.”Ricardo Sands, a resident of Northwest Cape Coral, expressed concerns about the impact on his neighborhood if renters were to move in. He also mentioned potential issues such as too many cars and too much garbage on the street.”Right now, it’s a nice residential neighborhood. If you do that, it’s just going to go downhill,” Sands said. Cape Coral realtor Sam Yaffey raised concerns about the financial implications of building these small homes. “When you start thinking about the cost to build a foundation, the plumbing and all the other connections and things, and then the fees that are necessary to be charged. What is the impact on impact fees for the city?” Yaffey said. She also noted potential complications related to flood zones and elevation requirements. “Is that going to cause the elevation of the other house, or the main house, have to be raised?” she said. Despite these concerns, the proposal would require adherence to zoning requirements. The idea is still in the discussion phase and will need to be voted on by the city council.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
Cape Coral city leaders are considering a proposal to allow residents to add small homes to their properties as a solution to affordable housing needs amid significant population growth.
Jennifer Nelson-Lastra, a member of the Cape Coral Council, explained that these small homes would be defined by Florida statutes as living units with separate kitchens, bathrooms, and sleeping areas.
“To me, this is the perfect solution to generational housing,” Nelson-Lastra said. “Whether you have elderly parents or you have adult kids who you can’t afford to be out on their own, it’s another affordable option for us.”
Ricardo Sands, a resident of Northwest Cape Coral, expressed concerns about the impact on his neighborhood if renters were to move in. He also mentioned potential issues such as too many cars and too much garbage on the street.
“Right now, it’s a nice residential neighborhood. If you do that, it’s just going to go downhill,” Sands said.
Cape Coral realtor Sam Yaffey raised concerns about the financial implications of building these small homes.
“When you start thinking about the cost to build a foundation, the plumbing and all the other connections and things, and then the fees that are necessary to be charged. What is the impact on impact fees for the city?” Yaffey said.
She also noted potential complications related to flood zones and elevation requirements.
“Is that going to cause the elevation of the other house, or the main house, have to be raised?” she said.
Despite these concerns, the proposal would require adherence to zoning requirements. The idea is still in the discussion phase and will need to be voted on by the city council.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.