ADU RESOLUTION of THE JERICHO PROJECT: a 501(c)(3) Florida non-profit Corporation 
              We hereby take a leadership position to create a single voice to improve affordable housing in our region. The Jericho Project is collaborating with multiple organizations to express our combined support of standardization and legalization of Accessory Dwelling Units to increase affordable housing.
Whereas:

• Accessory dwelling Units, or ADUs, are placed in the yard of existing single family homes. Variously called granny flats, garage apartments, guest homes, extra living space, cottages, and recently “small” homes; ADUs are distinguished by legally having a stove, as well as a bathroom and kitchen facilities.
• Accessory Dwelling Units provide long-term rental, affordable homes, controlled by the homeowner.  The Florida Housing Coalition recommended 800 square feet maximum size.  Sarasota County has adopted a 750 square feet maximum size.
• Florida Statutes 163.31771 encourages the creation of ADU friendly building and zoning codes throughout Florida and elaborates a variety of benefits of accessory dwelling units for both individuals and our communities of accessory dwelling units.
• Jon Thaxton, Senior Vice President for Community Investment at Gulf Coast Community Foundation, indicated: “Accessory Dwelling Units are proven nationally to be one of the most fundamental and effective forms of affordable housing.  If our local governments want affordable housing, then this is a way to start it, because ADUs are an effective use of existing infrastructure.”
• These references are most useful for those interested in learning more:
  • AARP’s ABCs of ADUs https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/livable-documents/documents-2019/ADU-guide-web-singles-071619.pdf,
  • Florida Housing Coalition https://www.flhousing.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Accessory-Dwelling-Units-A-smart-growth-tool-for-providing-affordable-housing.pdf, and
  • Stetson https://www.stetson.edu/law/lawreview/media/5-Gottlieb.pdf

Therefore:

• We urge our local decision makers to adopt ordinances to increase affordable housing by allowing Accessory Dwelling Units.

 /Signed/ this 25 Day of July, 2020 by The Jericho Project, Inc. Board of   Directors: Richard Morris, Toni Westerfield, Sandy Gallagher, LaDonna Denman, and Glen Gibellina

Dear Local Leader:
             Please let us know as a leader, you or your organization (non-profit, church, government, private or corporate) wants to also urge our local decision makers to adopt ordinances to increase affordable housing by allowing Accessory Dwelling Units. If so, we invite you to endorse The Jericho Project's ADU Resolution.
​            Next step:  Please send an email to us at TJerichoFL@gmail.com   and we'll answer any questions, provide virtual speakers and be there to introduce you to leaders who are ready to support independent, affordable housing in the easiest and most sustainable way for all of us through Accessory Dwelling Units.
             Once you or your organization has endorsed The Jericho Project ADU Resolution, if you would like, then we'll list your name below.
               Thank you in advance for joining us in this critical move to encourage our local leaders to permit accessory dwelling units in their communities.
Sincerely,              
The Jericho Project, Inc.

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