06/15/2026
DATE CHANGE to Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 6 PM due to the fact that the ordinance has been delayed for the agenda.
Last week, for the second time since November, city staff delayed the Boost Backyards ordinance that would enable responsible homeowners to build small backyard homes, known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
ADUs have become a practical solution in addressing our nation’s affordability crisis, but many homeowners trying to build one are running into roadblock after roadblock from financing limitations to city red tape. The Boost Backyards ordinance would mean removing one of these roadblocks by making it possible for families to create modest housing on land they already own.
Many of the traditional rental properties in our city are being bought up by predatory corporations who live somewhere else, who have no real buy-in to New Port Richey, and who turn the keys over to outsiders with no connection to the community. Under the Boost Backyards ordinance, accessory dwelling units offer something different. They are primarily built by homeowners who live in New Port Richey, who have a family history here, and who want to build multi-generational pride in our city.
ADUs are for the grandmother who wants to downsize and live closer to family. They are for the nephew or daughter studying at a nearby college. They are for the family friend moving back home to teach at a local school.
Across the country, leaders from both parties have begun to recognize that slow government and outdated rules have made it too hard for working people to Afford the Dream. Just this year in Tallahassee, Republicans and Democrats in the state Senate together on CS 313 to cut red tape around ADUs and protect homeowners from excessive property tax increases. The bill fell short in the state House but will come back for a second pass next year. Later this year, Congress will consider the Supply Act, a bipartisan bill to expand financing options for backyard cottages, granny flats, in-law suites, and converted garages. In a time when it is becoming rare to see elected officials put down their party insignia and work together, ADUs offer one of those rare moments of common ground.
New Port Richey should meet that moment.
The Boost Backyards ordinance would diversify and increase the housing stock, lower costs, and help homeowners supplement their income to afford their mortgage and fix up their homestead. It would help parents care for aging relatives and give college students a safe place to start. It would also offer a housing option to the nearly 900 families who lost everything to Hurricane Milton. And it would do so without asking developers to pave over our natural environment or historic waterfront.
We need to make it clear that the city council must pass the Boost Backyards ordinance without any further delay. Please join us at City Hall on Tuesday, June 16 at 6 pm. RSVP link in the comments.
