Frequently Asked Questions Relating to Residences
Is it permissible to add an apartment in a single-family home?
ZONING CODE SECTION 12.14- ACCESSORY APARTMENT-
Intent- To fulfill an increasing need for smaller, more affordable housing units in owner
occupied, single-family homes while preserving the quality of Middletown's housing stock
character of its neighborhoods.
Definition and Applicability- An accessory apartment is herein defined as a second
dwelling unit within or attached to a single-family residence. An accessory apartment
will be allowed as a permitted use in all areas zoned for single-family homes.
The accessory apartment will be approved only if the applicant has demonstrated that the
proposed unit meets the following standards:
- The principal unit and the accessory apartment shall remain under common and
ownership and shall be owner occupied at all times.
- The accessory apartment shall be within or attached to the single-family
residence with a common wall of at least eight (8) feet in width.
- The accessory apartment shall not alter the basic character of the building as a
single-family dwelling.
- The accessory apartment must connect to the primary unit via an interior doorway.
Additional front entrances are prohibited.
- The accessory apartment must use existing unit's utilities and meters.
- One driveway shall service both dwelling units. off-street parking for both
units must be provided with three (3) spaces for the principal dwelling unit and one
(1) space for the accessory apartment.
- The accessory apartment shall include its own kitchen, three-fixture bath and one
bathroom.
- The floor area of the apartment must be at least 425 sq. feet and cannot exceed
800 sq. feet and 33% of the floor area of the existing home.
- The apartment shall comply with the Middletown Housing Code and all other
applicable codes and ordinances.
- The accessory apartment cannot be converted from a garage or other auxiliary building.
- The home and apartment shall have only one (1) street number.
(Section added effective 3/3/03)