Exploring Community Attitudes Towards Secondary Dwelling Units In Eugene’s University Area Neighborhood

Abstract

Eugene’s vibrant neighborhoods are a main contributor to the attractiveness of this city; however, many residents around the University of Oregon feel that the historic charm of their neighborhoods are being threatened by increased density in the form of secondary dwelling units (SDUs), specifically because of student renters. Through a series of interviews, this project seeks to form a comprehensive understanding of the quality of life issues related to increased density in the form of SDUs around the university. After conducting twenty interviews, it is evident that increased density in the form of SDUs does create quality of life issues as a direct result of the student population concentrated in these neighborhoods. While many residents are not opposed to density per se, they are opposed to the additional noise, privacy, and congestion issues in their own backyards, as well as changes to their neighborhood character as a result of SDUs. This report paints a holistic picture of the quality of life issues related to SDUs, and their implications for Eugene’s most historic neighborhoods.