EMMET COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) -- One northern Michigan city is working on a plan to bring more housing to the area.

The Petoskey Planning Commission held a special meeting on Thursday to discuss potential ordinance amendments to allow accessory dwelling units in the city.

An accessory dwelling unit is a small house or apartment that exists on the same property lot as a single-family residence.

Commissioners said while allowing these units won't solve the housing crisis in Petoskey, they do allow for additional housing where infrastructure already exists.

On Thursday, commissioners discussed the standards that would have to be met in order for a resident to have an accessory dwelling unit on their property.

The city planner said the commission has been working on these ordinance amendments for months.

"It's a very long process but there a lot they're looking at so they don't want to rush it," said Petoskey City Planner Amy Tweeten.

The commission voted to hold a public hearing before presenting their recommendation to the city counsel.

No date has been picked for the public hearing but commissioners said it will be in January or February.