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What is an ADU Accessory Dwelling Unit ?

An ADU is a small size dwelling unit that is typically attached to a main residence.

Adjacent Residential Units (ADUs) are residential units that are located on the same lot as a single-family home. These self-contained homes have their own entrances, full kitchens and bathrooms, living rooms and bedrooms, but are much smaller in scale than the main residences. There are three types of ADUs:

Adjacent Dwelling Units (ADUs) are small dwellings on the same property as or attached to a detached house. For example, this could be an apartment above a garage, a basement apartment, or a single-family home in the backyard. ADUs can be used to house family members or to earn additional income through rent.

ADU is also known as an in-law or mother-in-law unit, second family unit, granny flat or carriage house. ADUs usually have their own kitchen, living area and separate entrance. ADUs can be attached to a house or garage, or built as a stand-alone unit, but typically use the main house’s water and power connections.

ADU’s can have a variety of uses, including as secondary residences, retirement homes, or child care facilities.

Internal, attached and independent ADUs all have the potential to increase housing affordability (for both homeowners and renters), create broader housing options within the community, allow seniors to stay close to their families as they age, and Better living use existing housing stock in established communities. As a result, many cities and counties expressed support for ADUs in planning and passed zoning regulations that allow ADUs to be built in low-density residential areas.

From Fonzie’s condo to Happy Days garage to those lovely backyard vacation homes, you’ve probably come across ADUs before. They go by many names—in-law suites, granny flats, cottages or lane houses—but in architectural lingo, they are called edge dwelling units.

Another factor contributing to the popularity of ADUs is the growing interest in multi-generational housing and the ability to accommodate sick and aging family members. A 2018 AARP survey found that adults over 50 are primarily interested in friends or relatives who need care or are looking for a new place to live. Younger families use the ADU as a possible home for older relatives, either as a permanent home or as a comfortable place for long-term visits. ADUs are also being considered for nursing homes.