It’s not clear yet if many Fairfax City homeowners will have the option one day to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — more commonly known as “granny pods” or “in-law suites” — in their yards. But despite some hesitation expressed during a May 12 work session, Fairfax City Council members are ready to hear public comments on the issue.
In a presentation to the council, city staff laid out the implications of a new zoning ordinance that would let significantly more homeowners build detached accessory units in their yards.
While the city already permits units attached to a primary residence with certain restrictions, the proposed ordinance would permit homeowners who live on the property to also build a separate unit, Eric Forman, a senior planner with the city, told council members…