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What is an ADU
What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?
Accessory Dwelling Units (abbreviated ADUs) are most commonly understood
to be a separate additional living unit, including separate kitchen,
sleeping, and bathroom facilities, attached or detached from the primary
residential unit, on a single-family lot. ADUs are subordinate in size,
location, and appearance to the primary home. ADUs have also been
referred to as "mother-in-law apartments", "accessory apartments",
"garage apartments", or "second units". In the 1940s and ‘50s many
American families rented out an extra apartment over their garages or in
the basement of their homes as a way to earn some extra income to help
with the mortgage payment or with other household expenses. In fact,
backyard cottages and attic and basement apartments were a common
feature in many communities across the country.
New growth management laws are requiring many communities to plan for
and accommodate higher housing densities. Against this backdrop, many
communities are modifying their zoning regulations to allow and
encourage the addition of ADUs in residential zones. Both California and
Washington have encouraged the use of ADUs for years. As of February 2,
1998, Portland Oregon has modified its zoning code dramatically to
allow ADUs in most residential areas of the city.
What are the benefits of building ADUs?
ADUs provide a surprising number of benefits to communities, homeowners
and renters. Although much of the attention given to ADUs revolves
around their potential for increasing the supply of affordable housing
opportunities, ADUs may also help to address other social issues,
particularly those relating to housing options for the growing elderly
population.
Homeowner Benefits:
Housing for Extended Family
ADUs can provide needed housing for young adult family members and young
couples who are just getting started. Elderly family members can avoid
both the emotional and financial costs of having to move into a nursing
home. Another possible option to assist the elderly is for the elderly
homeowner to build and move into the ADU and rent out the main house to
relatives or the public. This scenario allows the elderly homeowners to
live their lives out on their property without the expense and
maintenance of the larger home.
Additional Income
ADUs can provide homeowners with extra income to help meet rising home
ownership costs. ADUs can provide many homeowners with needed additional
income to meet high mortgage and maintenance costs. In addition to
assisting young families or single parents, additional income from ADUs
may be particularly helpful for many elderly homeowners who are living
on fixed incomes. ADUs can provide homeowners with the ability to trade
rent reductions for needed services.
Increased Property Value
The addition of an ADU can increase the current and resale value of the
property significantly above the initial cost of the ADU. A secondary
rental unit or "guest house" can be very attractive to potential buyers.
Also, if financed through a mortgage on the property, the interest
payments and some of the closing costs are usually tax deductible.
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