GRANNY FLATS COMING? RED BANK COUNCIL LOOKS TO LEGALIZE ADUs

A backyard cottage sits behind a larger house on a lot on Hudson Avenue. The house is one of many so-called ADUs that were grandfathered in before zoning laws changed. (Photo by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)

By BRIAN DONOHUE

Single-family homeowners could legally build backyard cottages, garage apartments and so-called in-law suites behind a larger house on their property under an ordinance the Red Bank Borough Council is considering as a way to create more affordable housing options in town.

At last Thursday’s meeting, the Borough Council voted unanimously to introduce an ordinance that would allow the construction or creation of small, so-called accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in certain zoning districts and on properties where the owner lives.

The ADU measure is part of a broader series of changes to borough planning and development regulations that also include a ban on new vape shops; a ban on the construction of data centers; the creation of a new “boutique hotel” category of permitted land use; and an easing of parking requirements for non-residential properties applying for a change of use.

A recent segment on CBS Sunday Morning on ADUs.

A full copy of the ordinance, number 2026-18, can be found by scrolling to page 73 of last week’s agenda at this link: May 28 2026 agenda.

“This ordinance benefits our residents in several ways,” Mayor Billy Portman said of the ADU measures in a text message to redbankgreen. “It can be an additional income source, while most likely providing an affordable housing option. It will also enable multi-generational living. This will also provide an option for aging parents.”

ADUs, sometimes referred to as “granny flats” have been legalized in recent years in towns like Maplewood, Montclair, Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Princeton, and the state of California as a way to address the nationwide affordable housing crisis.

The Red Bank measure would limit ADUs to 800 square feet and two bedrooms, prohibit their use as short-term rentals, and require compliance with minimum lot-size and setback standards. They could not be sold separately from the main house, under the proposal.

The ordinance would allow a single ADU only on properties where the owner lives in either the main residence (single-family home only) or the ADU. Minimum lot sizes would range from 4,500 square feet in several residential districts to 30,000 square feet in the Waterfront Development district.

They would be allowed in the following zoning districts: RA, RB, R-B1, R-B2, RD, BR-1, BR-2 and Waterfront Development zoning districts, and subject to minimum lot-size requirements.

An existing, grandfathered, backyard cottage on Harrison Avenue. (Photo by Brian Donohue)

Red Bank’s existing housing stock includes dozens, if not scores, of properties that include both a single-family home and a garage apartment or backyard cottage.

Those were built decades ago, before such structures were outlawed by zoning, as was done in towns across the US as they sought to protect suburban character and single-family zoning.

A public hearing and vote on possible final passage is scheduled for the June 11 meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council. Meetings begin at 6:30 pm at Borough Hall, 90 Monmouth Street and can be attended remotely via a link at the borough website.

redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331.