Accessory Dwelling Units - ADUs

Hello!

In 2024, City Staff evaluated the option to add Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as an additional housing option for Kearney. This was considered a significant change to the regulations and policy-direction for Kearney. The approach we took was conducted throughout the 2024 year. We continue to appreciate and thank everyone who attended the outreach sessions, neighborhood meetings, and called or emailed us with questions or feedback regarding ADUs. We truly appreciate all the comments and input regarding this community matter! We needed that feedback in order for us to make the best decision for Kearney now, tomorrow, and beyond.

ADUs have been a major topic in many communities within Nebraska and across the country. Staff set out to explore this topic by understanding how other communities in Nebraska were allowing them and how the citizens of Kearney felt about this potential housing option. While many communities in Nebraska allow ADUs they are all regulated differently. Some allow them by right (no additional approval from the neighborhood or City Council), others only allow them by an approval of a special or conditional permit. In some communities they regulate whether additional parking is needed, or how big or tall they can be. Finding the right balance for Kearney is important to ensure we continue to be uniquely Kearney. 

During the outreach sessions, we sought input on the overall feeling of ADUs in Kearney and specifically addressed the type of ADUs people would/would not like in their neighborhood. We gathered a variety of feedback, with most people agreeing ADUs could be allowed but should be regulated, though some neighborhood groups opposed them outright. We have provided below a summary of our outreach efforts and the feedback we heard! After careful consideration, the City has decided not to proceed with changes to allow ADUs at this time, aiming to preserve the unique character of our neighborhoods.

This decision doesn’t rule out revisiting the topic in the future, but has just been the decision for the City at this time. Given the current housing market challenges, adding ADUs is only one solution we have explored. We continue working towards solutions that protect the look and feel of our existing neighborhoods while providing opportunities to ease the challenges of housing development in Kearney. The creation of the R1-D zoning district was one such solution that is providing more flexibility for new subdivision layout. 

Thank you again for the time you took to provide us with valuable feedback regarding this decision!

If you have any questions or provide any additional feedback, please do not hesitate to reach out to the City Planner.

Need more information about ADUs? Click here!