As City Manager for the Town of Atherton, I am writing to you today seeking information that will help our community fulfill its obligations to the State as part of the Regional Housing Needs Analysis (RHNA) requirements. The Town’s Housing Element promotes the use of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as one of the primary means of fulfilling our RHNA obligations. We believe that ADUs can help address regional housing needs and provide an excellent solution for the Town by maintaining the Town’s character as a single family home community.
ADUs can offer a practical solution for multi-generational families seeking additional living space; can provide an opportunity for homeowners to generate rental income; or can be used as shared family or caretaker space at no cost. We believe that there are these and other habitation scenarios that exist today that will help us show the State that ADUs are a viable solution for the Town.
But we need your help in gathering essential data. Last year we launched an online survey to gauge the willingness of the community to embrace the ADU strategy and build or offer ADUs for rent. The response and support from the community was very positive. Now, we need to determine if there are existing ADUs or Junior ADUs presently in use; and, if so, are they rented and at what rate. We need this data to respond to the State’s requirements and to plan accordingly for future years.
Please take a moment to read the full letter by clicking here and fill out the survey either by mail, dropping a hard copy off in person, or online by clicking here.