In a move that will negatively impact — at least temporarily — the creation of more affordable housing in Little Compton, the town council voted last week to remove existing provisions in town ordinances that allow Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Existing ADUs are not affected by the decision.

ADUs are defined as complete independent living facilities for one or more persons that could include a detached dwelling; one that is part of an accessory structure, such as a detached garage; or one that is part of an expanded or remodeled primary dwelling.

Prior to last week’s decision, ADUs were allowed on Little Compton properties of three acres or more. A new state statute that goes into effect next month sets the lot size limits at 20,000 square feet for ADUs and prohibits owners from imposing any restrictions as to who may live there; for example, occupancy may not be limited to family members only.

The General Assembly dictated that towns now have two choices: Either prohibit new ADUs entirely or mirror the language in the new state guidelines.

Prior to voting, the council discussed the planning board recommendation on the matter, which noted a literal interpretation of ADU state legislation is at odds with the town’s comprehensive plan. Town planners also cited concerns about adequate water supply should the new state provisions be adopted.

Some residents at last week’s meeting, such as Bill McIntosh, spoke passionately of the need for more affordable housing in Little Compton while also advocating for a cautious approach moving forward.

“There are not enough affordable houses to rent, we can’t build them fast enough, but if parents can help their children and this [ADUs] is one way of doing it, I’m all for it. Figure out how to do it responsibly and have the people who need it get first in line.”

Several speakers emphasized the value of ADUs in terms of offering people options in a town that has some of the least affordable housing in the state. “ADUs are critical to providing an affordable option to families, to our seniors, and to those who have no options in this town,” said resident Sue Boddington. “To eliminate the ordinance all together means that folks are just not going to have that as a choice.”

Others expressed worries that the new state legislation would encourage the development of more short-term rentals (STRs). One resident noted that none of the language in the state law references “affordable housing,” and he noted that “somebody could literally build a pool house, put a bunkroom upstairs, and rent it out for an Airbnb and there’s nothing you could do about it.”

Following public discussion, Councilor Gary Mataronas made a motion to amend the current town ordinance to adopt the new state regulations on ADUs, and as a condition, develop separate language that would include a provision outlawing STRs in ADUs.

“The only people coming to Little Compton now are the privileged people, the people with a lot of money who build McMansions along the coastline with 10 bedrooms and eight bathrooms. Those are the people we should have problems with,” he said.

The motion was defeated by a 3-1 vote, with councilors Bob Mushen, Paul Golembeske, and Patrick McHugh opposed and Mataronas and Andrew Iriarte-Moore casting affirmative votes.

A second motion, to remove current references to ADUs in the town ordinance as recommended by the planning board, was approved 4-1, with only Mataronas opposed.

Town officials stressed that the vote was intended to be a temporary measure and did not mean ADUs would never again be allowed in town.