A recent writer on the Recorder’s opinion page said Greenfield “should base our ordinances on the facts and the history of our community.” But she then mangled the facts and our history by stating: “We have defined ADUs as residences independent of the principal house for about 10 years.”

This is not fact-based at all. If you look at our current zoning code, you will find this definition that has been in place since May 20, 2020:

“ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT, WITHIN. An accessory dwelling unit that is within a single-family or two family home is a self contained housing unit Incorporated within the single family or two family home that is clearly a subordinate part of the single family or two family home.”

We have clearly defined an ADU as existing within a single family home — not as “residences independent of the principal house.”

No wonder people are confused about what is the difference between a duplex home, and a single-family home with an ADU proposed on the second floor? It’s time we clear up this confusion.

I support the “One on One” proposal our citizens submitted: One ADU on one lot. It gives every homeowner the right to build one ADU inside or outside their home—  without a special permit. That’s a fact.

Pat Spinelli

Greenfield