Sometimes referred to as “granny flats,” Accessory Dwelling Units (“ADUs”) are a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a stand-alone (i.e., detached) single-family home. They are a way Worthington can add additional housing, helping to address central Ohio’s housing crisis, while adding gentle density to our community in a responsible way.

And make no mistake, we’re in a housing crisis. Housing prices have increased across the region 57% in a mere 5 years, and the average new buyer in the Columbus area must make $90,000 a year to afford a house. Recent predictions note that we will have less houses than families by 2030, meaning even families with the means to purchase a house may be unable to do so. And a majority of central Ohio residents already have been negatively impacted by the housing crisis. We need action.

That’s where you come in. I’ll be doing what I can to push this in Worthington over the coming months, but one voice is only one voice. We need collective action to show Council that we, the community, care about this crisis, and doing our part to help fix it. Emails and letters to Council (at council [at] Worthington [dot] org) are great, even if all they say is that you’re in favor of ADUs being allowed in Worthington! It is really that easy. But personal stories are better, and personal stories delivered live at Council on the weeks public testimony is allowed (first and third meetings of each month) is amazing, if you are comfortable doing so. It all helps.

So stop doomscrolling! Let’s take some real action and get this done. We can make positive change in our own communities, but only if we work together.

See the AARP’s Model Local Ordinance for ADUs, submitted to Council, here.

**stats taken from Redfin or the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio’s “Overwhelming” report