As they seek to encourage more housing development, St. Joseph City Commissioners have directed the Planning Commission to look into allowing more accessory dwelling units in the community.
Accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, are small, secondary living spaces located on the same lot as a primary home. Speaking at Monday’s regular meeting, Commissioner Tess Ulrey said asking the Planning Commission to consider increasing density in some neighborhoods — with a priority on ADUs — could create a new option to address the housing shortage.
“As we think about how our community demographics change and whether people have adult children living with them at home or parents are aging in place and staying in that spot, accessory dwelling units gives quite a bit of flexibility there,” Ulrey said.
Ulrey said she doesn’t think allowing some ADUs in neighborhoods would drastically change the area’s character, adding that it’s all about creating options. Commissioner Michael Sarola agreed.
“The footprint of the city is actually quite small and density is really the only way we can grow our tax base, and this is a great example of that,” Sarola said.
Ulrey noted that communities like Traverse City have allowed more accessory units, and it has worked out well for them. She added that such units are locally regulated, allowing the city to ensure ADUs meet community needs.
A 2024 Benton Harbor–St. Joseph Housing Market Analysis by Cornerstone Alliance identified a need for 525 residential rental units and 375 residential dwelling units in the area by 2028.
After approving its directive to the Planning Commission Monday, commissioners asked that the body provide a progress report within a few months.
