<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4CSvi8_18lKYFVL00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4CSvi8_18lKYFVL00" width="948" height="617" ><figcaption>Cheyenne City Council members, from left, Kathy Emmons, Lawrence Wolfe and Mark Moody at the Feb. 9, 2026 council meeting. (screenshot)</figcaption></figure>CHEYENNE, Wyo. — In an effort to blunt a local housing shortage, Cheyenne property owners will soon have more freedom to build and rent property without residing on the premises, following a final council vote that scrapped decades-old zoning restrictions.On Monday, the Cheyenne City Council voted to remove owner-occupancy requirements for accessory dwelling units. The ordinance, which passed on a third and final reading, amends the Unified Development Code and adjusts parking regulations to provide more flexibility for development.Councilor Mark Moody, who initiated the amendment, urged the council to advance the measure, citing support from the city’s Planning and Development Department and housing advocacy groups.“Definitely appreciate Habitat for Humanity and the Affordable Housing Task Force,” Moody said. “Let’s just move this on. This fits one of our early city goals.”<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=30xFKI_18lKYFVL00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=30xFKI_18lKYFVL00" width="480" height="360" ></figure>The measure drew brief public comment, with Ward 2 resident Alan Sheldon speaking in support of the changes. However, the removal of the owner-occupancy requirement sparked opposition from Councilor Mark Rinne, who voiced concern that the policy shift would encourage investors to purchase properties solely for rental income rather than helping homeowners offset mortgages.“I still think that, where I thought this was a great idea when maybe a young couple could get into their own home and have an ADU that they could rent to help pay their mortgage, with not having the landowner be present now, with it being two rental units, I think that we’re just going to find that … people are just going to buy these up for investments and use them as rentals,” he said.Rinne warned the change could negatively impact established residential areas.Despite the concerns, the council voted to approve the ordinance. Rinne and Councilor Tom Segrave cast the opposing votes.The approved ordinance also clarifies the definitions of accessory dwellings and semi-attached dwellings, specifically regarding flat-over-flat duplexes, to align zoning codes with building department practices. Supporters, including the Southeast Wyoming Builders Association and the Laramie County Community Partnership, had previously argued that the reforms were necessary to reduce regulatory barriers and promote sustainable development.The ordinance is attached below.</div></body>

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CHEYENNE, Wyo. — In an effort to blunt a local housing shortage, Cheyenne property owners will soon have more freedom to build and rent property without residing on the premises, following a final council vote that scrapped decades-old zoning restrictions. On Monday, the Cheyenne City Council voted to remove...

Cheyenne removes owner-occupancy rules for accessory dwelling units

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CHEYENNE, Wyo. — In an effort to blunt a local housing shortage, Cheyenne property owners will soon have more freedom to build and rent property without re

Cheyenne removes owner-occupancy rules for accessory dwelling units

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