Montclair Council Considers Update to Accessory Dwelling Unit Law

The Montclair Township Council advanced legislation that would expand size allowances for accessory dwelling units, voting 6-1 to increase maximum wall dimensions from 24 feet to 30 feet in any direction.

The update aims to help homeowners fully utilize the township's existing 800-square-foot ADU limit, which planning officials say has been difficult to achieve under current dimensional restrictions.

ADUs, also known as granny flats or in-law units, are secondary housing structures built on single-family residential properties and have become increasingly popular as communities seek to address housing shortages.

Since Montclair approved its ADU ordinance in 2023, the township has received ten applications, though construction has proceeded slowly according to planning director Janice Talley.

The units are permitted in zones designated for single- and two-family homes.

Several residents voiced support for the expansion during public comment, suggesting demand for more flexible ADU options.

The proposed changes reflect a broader trend across California and other states where municipalities are relaxing restrictions on accessory dwelling units to encourage additional housing supply.

If formally adopted, the updated regulations would provide property owners greater design flexibility while maintaining the township's overall square footage caps for these supplemental residential structures.