In another step toward cutting red tape for new construction, St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer signed a bill making it easier to build detached dwellings on properties throughout the city.
The bill adds accessory dwelling units — often called mother-in-law suites or carriage houses — to the list of buildings that can be permitted in residential districts. The bill, introduced by Alderwoman Shameeem Clark-Hubbard, aims to make it easier and faster to build the structures in St. Louis.
Spencer signed the bill Monday at a home on Selna Street in Benton Park that features an accessory dwelling. Officials are working to modernize the zoning and permitting rules in an effort to help reverse the drop in population in St. Louis…