A housing option that could uniquely accommodate students, senior citizens and people with disabilities may become more common in coming months as Plano Planning and Zoning Commissioners consider broadening the definition of detached-housing units.

Detached-housing units, referred to as “backyard cottages” by city staff, are commonly defined as a detached building from a single-family home that is equipped with both a kitchen and bathroom, according to a staff-prepared document.

Under current city ordinances, backyard cottages are permissible if they are within lots at least one acre large. The same city ordinance requires that the residents of the backyard cottages be family members of the owners of the property.

But that definition could change after commissioners discussed the viability of modifying the current ordinance during Monday night’s planning and zoning meeting.

“[The American Association of Retired Persons] really see this as an opportunity to provide more housing opportunities for folks of all ages,” said Ken Schmidt, a senior planner in the Plano planning department. “Most particularly: seniors aging in place, those with special needs who want independence but still demand some sort of supportive environment, and also our students and young adults.”

The commission voted to hold a future public hearing after staff receives input from the public.

City staff’s next steps include gauging the public interest in backyard cottages through potential surveys, as well as creating informational pages on the city’s website, according to the city document.