Seminole County may join other communities that have made it easier for homeowners to build separate cottages, garage apartments and additions to homes for their elderly parents.

Today, the County Commission is expected to discuss the possibility of easing restrictions on accessory dwelling units -- often called granny flats or mother-in-law suites -- in residential areas.

"We're just recognizing the fact that as the community ages, the commission might want to look at alternatives to housing the elderly," planning manager Matt West said.

Different rules govern different zoning districts in Seminole County. But generally, homeowners in rural areas can have separate living quarters, without kitchens. On the other hand, the separate living quarters aren't allowed in neighborhoods where lots are less than a quarter of an acre.

A consultant advising the county on updating its land-development code recommends separate living quarters -- complete with kitchens -- be allowed virtually anywhere there are single-family homes. But some worry that granny flats will one day turn into rental properties.

"You could have it as your parents' quarters, but what happens when your parents sadly move on, or if you were to leave the house?" Seminole County Commissioner Randy Morris said. "That's what gives me a concern. I'd need to hear some pretty convincing evidence from staff on why we'd need to change it."

The consultant, Duncan Associates of Austin, Texas, recommends placing restrictions on renting out the units. The consultant also is recommending more than a dozen other changes to the county's land-use code, including limits on sizes of churches in residential areas and uniform standards for landscaping in parking lots. The changes would be written into the county's land-development code in the next year and a half.

The commission will discuss the issue at its 9:30 a.m. meeting at 1101 E. First St., Sanford.