What Are the Advantages of ADUs?

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 donā€™t integrate well esthetically within the neighborhood. Fortunately, the opposite has proven trueā€”ADUs 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 

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