“St. Paul is experiencing a housing shortage right, both in home ownership as well as rental units,” said Forrest Cyr, with the St. Paul Area Association of Realtors.

Cyr said they’ve been working with the city on the proposed law.

“We think that having that option, people will take advantage of it as housing needs increase and change,” he said.

In 2016, the city decided to allow the units only within half a mile of University Avenue from Emerald Street to Lexington Parkway.

Only one has been constructed.

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Cyr said expanding the area where they are permitted will create opportunity.

“Both for first-time home buyers, as well as people looking to move out of their multi-level home where they raised their kids,” he said.

The way it’s written right now, the ordinance would allow one accessory dwelling unit per property. It could be attached to the home, or separate. The floor area must be 800 square feet or less.

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“This is all fine as long as mom or grandma lives there,” said Ward 6 council member Dan Bostrom.

He is concerned, however, about the units becoming rentals.

“You’re dealing with the neighborhood, the folks who say we didn't sign up for this when we bought our house, this is a single family neighborhood,” said Bostrom. “I've got a big problem with that.”

He also questions the demand, since only one has been built in the past two years.

“I think it discourages regular families that don't have a need from something like that from buying,” said Bostrom.

Cyr disagrees.

“We think that allowing people to do so will encourage investment in properties in St. Paul,” he said.

City lawmakers are still working out how to enforce the ordinance and close any loopholes. A final vote is scheduled for next week.