
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are small stand-alone or attached homesĀ built on lots occupied by larger single-family homes. Also known as granny flats, ADUs can allow aging parents to live close to family or give adult children a chance to save money to launch their lives. They can also be rented to small households for additional income.
ADUs can expand density in already-built neighborhoods replete with utilities, streets, schools, hospitals, etc., and there are those who resist ADUs for short-term rentals, due to more noise, traffic, people moving in and out, and, possibly, lower home values if ADUs donāt integrate well esthetically within the neighborhood. Fortunately, the opposite has proven trueāADUs canĀ improve home valuesĀ by as much as 35% in big cities.
Instead of restricting ADUs, a better idea is toĀ improve zoningĀ which limits the size (400 sq. ft. to 1,000 sq. ft.) and placement of units on a property. Other provisions can include design standards, minimum lot sizes, limits on the number of occupants, and off-street parking for vehicles.Ā