Accessory dwelling units

Description

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit situated on the same lot as a standalone single-family home. ADUs are known by various names across the United States, such as accessory apartments, secondary suites, and granny flats. ADUs can be constructed in different ways: as internal additions to existing homes (internal ADUs), as attached additions to new or existing homes (attached ADUs), or as new stand-alone accessory structures or converted portions of existing stand-alone accessory structures (detached ADUs).

ADUs offer several advantages, including generating additional income through rent, potentially increasing the value of your property, and providing additional living space, such as a workshop or a guest suite.

Use case

Internal, attached, and detached ADUs have the potential to enhance housing affordability for both homeowners and tenants, provide a broader range of housing options within communities, enable seniors to stay close to their families as they age, and optimize the use of existing housing stock in established neighborhoods. Consequently, many cities and counties have expressed support for ADUs in their plans and adopted zoning regulations that allow ADUs in low-density residential areas.

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Types of Accessory dwelling units

Detached ADU

is a self-contained living space located on the same property as a primary residence but is physically separate from it. These units, often referred to as backyard cottages or standalone apartments, do not share walls with the main house and can be constructed from existing structures or built new. Detached ADUs provide additional housing options and can serve as rental units or accommodations for family members.

SB 9 unit

Detached ADU

An SB9 unit refers to housing units created under California's Senate Bill 9, which allows property owners to split single-family lots and build up to four units on a single lot. This legislation aims to increase housing density and streamline the approval process for new housing developments. In summary, SB9 units focus on increasing overall housing density, while ADUs and JADUs provide additional living spaces on existing properties.

Attached ADU

An attached ADU is a secondary living space that is physically connected to the primary residence, such as a converted basement or an extension of the main house. In contrast, a detached ADU is a standalone structure, like a separate cottage or garage conversion, located on the same property but not connected to the main dwelling. Both types provide independent living facilities but differ in their physical connection to the primary home.

JADU

Attached ADU

A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) is a small living space, up to 500 square feet, created within an existing single-family home. It typically includes an efficiency kitchen and may share bathroom facilities with the main residence.

In contrast, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) can be either attached or detached from the primary home, providing independent living with full kitchen and bathroom facilities.