Fairfield Planning and Zoning just made life a lot easier for residents hoping to add a second dwelling onto their existing property.

The department voted last week to allow residents to convert or construct outbuildings on their property as a small secondary apartment, or a “tiny house.”

Carrie Makover, with Fairfield Senior Advocates, says the buildings could serve as a modern in-law apartment for seniors who want to stay in town on a fixed income.

FairPLAN co-president Alexis Harrison says college students could also benefit from budget-conscious housing.

"Definitely the college students, the newly graduated students. And quite frankly, that's good for our state, we need to retain these kids," she says. "We need to make sure they stay here and they work here."

Accessory dwellings can't be bigger than 1,500 square feet, or 40% of your house's footprint, whichever is smaller.

Harrison says that will help keep the look and feel of Fairfield's neighborhoods while adding more affordable housing where it's needed most.

"You're not gonna see a monstrosity built to a small ranch house. So, I think it's helpful in that way too, where it protects neighborhoods," she says.

The accessory units can't be rented for less than 60 days, so don't expect any of them to be showing up on AirBNB anytime soon.

Residents who want to convert or construct an Accessory Dwelling Unit must apply for a permit with Fairfield Planning and Zoning.