Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) Re-Visited 🛖

Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs) are being heralded as the greatest thing since sliced bread, the single most important change to ever happen in real estate, etc etc...and, to be honest, I completely agree.  Yes, I've done a spiel about ADUs recently, but I'm doing it again because I kinda feel like this is falling under the radar.  People in the know are educating themselves, conducting research, and making moves.  But the general public has not caught on yet.  As is typically true, people who are diligently adapting will benefit in the long-run, as the rest fight to play catch-up.

I do not want you to play catch-up - especially when the benefits here can be massive.

Here are five things you need to know:

1. An ADU is a self-contained housing unit on the same lot as a principal dwelling inclusive of sleeping, cooking, and sanitary facilities subject to otherwise applicable dimensional and parking requirements that:

a) maintains a separate entrance, either directly from the outside or through an entry hall or corridor shared with the principal dwelling sufficient to meet the requirements of the state building code for safe egress, and

b) is not larger in gross floor area than half the gross floor area of the principal dwelling or 900 sf, whichever is smaller.

2. You can build an ADU in single-family zoned districts because it's now protected by right - meaning you do not need to go before your city's zoning board of appeals to obtain a special permit (you still need to get a building permit, of course).  This is true for both single-family and multi-family dwellings in single-family zones.

3. Properties do not need to be owner occupied (but the main house and the ADU have to be owned by the same person), and excessive parking requirements cannot be a hinderance (e.g. additional parking spot for properties within 0.5 mi radius of a transit station).  If rented, it can be for market rent, but the state sanitary code will apply.  Lots of investors are saying "if it has a garage, I'm interested."

4. An ADU cannot be a condo or subdivided - it is an accessory to the primary dwelling.  This is not the case in some other states - a reminder to be careful about always checking with appropriate statutes and local municipalities.

5. Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is the regulatory agency.

I'll be honest - I set out writing about ADUs mainly just to inform, educate, and, yes, entice.  But the more I research and learn, the more the wheels start turning about a certain funky back yard and garage of mine that both remain pretty underutilized...

...but listen, the huge caveat in all of this is that construction is very expensive right now.  None of this is a slam dunk - nothing ever is when it comes to shelter.  But I gotta think that being aware of what is now possible may at the very least spur thoughts of adding an ADU being a preferable alternative to selling, or moving to a retirement community, or having a family member rent from a stranger, and so on.  More options, greater choice...these are good things!