Senate Bill 473 mandates that political subdivisions with zoning ordinances must permit at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on each residentially or mixed-use zoned parcel that contains an existing single-family dwelling. The bill defines an ADU as a residential unit that provides independent living facilities and has a separate entrance from the main dwelling. It allows local governments to impose certain restrictions, such as limiting the size of the ADU to the square footage of the existing single-family home, regulating its height, ensuring compliance with setback and lot coverage requirements, and prohibiting the use of newly created ADUs as short-term rentals.

The bill introduces new statutory sections (59.69 (16), 60.61 (3o), and 62.23 (7) (j)) that outline the definitions and requirements for ADUs across different types of political subdivisions. Each section emphasizes that the ADUs must be permitted uses without the need for conditional use permits or variances, while still allowing local governments to enforce specific limitations. The legislation aims to enhance housing availability while maintaining local zoning authority.