Accessory dwelling unit law revision (Chapter 217)
Town of Riverhead
Summary
The town will hold a public hearing on replacing its old accessory apartment rules with a new ADU law — potentially opening more housing options for homeowners.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Mar 17, 2026.
Impact analysis
State grants of up to $125,000 per ADU and a local fund of roughly $200,000 for first-time homebuyer assistance could be unlocked once the law is adopted.
Homeowners who may want to add rental or family ADUs on their properties.
Neighbors concerned about parking, crowding, and tax assessment increases from new ADUs.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Town Board - Mar 17, 2026
The board repealed the old accessory apartment rules and adopted modern ADU standards, which could make it easier for homeowners to add rental units.
Town Board - Feb 18, 2026
The town would scrap its old accessory apartment board system and replace it with a streamlined building-department permitting process for ADUs — one bedroom, owner-occupied homes only, no short-term rentals, capped at 500 units townwide. Supporters see affordability help; critics questioned school impacts and enforcement capacity.
Town Board - Feb 3, 2026
The town will hold a public hearing on replacing its old accessory apartment rules with a new ADU law — potentially opening more housing options for homeowners.
Town Board Work Session - Jan 22, 2026
The revised ADU law aims to let homeowners add small apartments for family or renters while blocking Airbnb-style use. It unlocks state funding up to $125,000 per unit and a local first-time homebuyer down-payment program.
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