Accessory Dwelling Units in Norwich, Vermont

In October 2018, the town of Norwich was denied access to state grants after the Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional Commission found that the proposed town plan failed to meet state standards for regional approval.[i] Norwich was cited, in part, for its failure to set a goal for multifamily or affordable, housing.[ii] As a result, Jeff Lubell of the Norwich Planning Commission sought to determine the feasibility of zoning, implementing, and constructing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a solution for increasing affordable housing accessibility and stock. To this end, this report presents a significant analysis of the current state of ADUs in Norwich, Vermont, key stakeholders, and major barriers for both residents and the greater community. The report then details four municipalities that have implemented successful ADU planning strategies. We conclude the report discussing our finding—while ADUs have been successful in increasing housing stock and helping homeowners, they have not succeeded as affordable housing options.