MILTON, Del. — The Milton Planning and Zoning Commission will consider two zoning proposals at its meeting Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., aimed at increasing housing options and affordability.
One proposal would update the town’s zoning code to allow accessory dwelling units — small, independent living spaces on the same lot as a primary home — in single-family residential zones. The ordinance outlines limits on size, occupancy, parking, and prohibits use as short-term rentals.
The commission will also review a new Mandatory Inclusionary Housing policy, requiring that new residential developments over 10 acres include a percentage of affordable housing units. The draft calls for at least 10 percent of for-sale and 15 percent of rental units to be designated as affordable, with long-term affordability protections and quality standards consistent with market-rate homes.
Linde Haynes, who lives in Milton, is on board.
"I think is a great idea," said Haynes. "It's uplifting the people instead of being a product of their environment."
Affordable housing is defined as homeownership units for households with incomes between 60-120 percent of the Annual Median Income and rental units for households between 50-80 percent of the AMI. On the town of Milton's meeting agenda, they have attached the guidelines for ADUs in other areas, such as Milford and Lewes.
Milton local, Victoria Daniels, thinks ADUs could benefit the older people in town.
"You need more of senior living, something that is good enough for them, don't have to be too fancy, but just enough to be content."
