Lauderhill staff told the commission that the city’s comprehensive plan allows for limited accessory dwelling units (ADUs) but the land‑development regulations do not currently permit them; staff recommended drafting code changes to authorize and regulate ADUs.

Planning staff said ADUs — commonly called in‑law suites, carriage houses or granny flats — could expand long‑term, affordable housing options, support aging‑in‑place and better use existing infrastructure. The comp plan previously suggested counting small accessory units (under 500 square feet) as a partial dwelling unit; staff noted state law and neighboring Broward County allow ADUs.

Staff warned of practical challenges: water, sewer and stormwater systems may require upgrades if many ADUs concentrate in a neighborhood; parking and enforcement of unpermitted conversions would create additional administrative workload; and property‑value or tax impacts could follow. The staff recommended limiting ADUs for long‑term rentals (not short‑term rentals), setting size limits, and ensuring ADUs meet housing code standards and are reflected in the city’s minimum housing schedule (Schedule M).

Commissioners asked staff to return with draft language covering allowable unit sizes, parking requirements, where ADUs would be permitted, and how to manage conversions of existing structures (garages) so they meet life‑safety, permitting and inspection requirements. Staff estimated they would need to analyze where ADUs could be located and the potential effects on existing neighborhoods.

Ending: The commission directed staff to prepare proposed land‑development amendments that would authorize ADUs with specified standards and to present analysis on infrastructure, parking and code enforcement implications before final adoption.