Like many of the country's sunny and popular cities, Denver is struggling to house its people. Accessory dwelling units, otherwise known as Granny Flats, could be part of a solution to that problem.
"West Denver is full of modest homes in neighborhoods that are among the last bastions of affordability for their heavily Latino and working-class owners. But in a fast-growing city, that stability is fading quickly," Jon Murray writes in the Denver Post. Renee Martinez-Stone, of the West Denver Renaissance Collaborative, is trying to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as part of the solution to spiking housing costs.
"She sees two potential shots in the arm for the neighborhoods if more homeowners build accessory dwelling units, or ADUs: more financial stability for the primary homes’ owners, and greater availability of small, affordable rentals for young adults and, perhaps, older residents with fixed incomes," Murray reports.
Her group is working with Habitat for Humanity on a pilot program to build these homes. "The program also could streamline the permitting process by offering a half-dozen or so pre-reviewed, quickly adaptable ADU designs," Murray writes. If the response to the program is positive, the group would look to expand the initiative, eventually building 250 homes.
Reno Revisits Zoning Reform
After roundly rejecting a proposal to legalize granny flats in 2018, the city council is revising it and other zoning reform proposals that could increase the city’s affordable housing supply.
Salem, Oregon Offers Pre-Approved ADU Plans
The city hopes the free plans will streamline the permitting process for homeowners and help spur more housing construction.
Creating Affordable Housing is a Priority for ADU Owners
How accessory dwelling units can benefit homeowners and renters alike.
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Chicago to Turn High-Rise Offices into Housing
Four commercial buildings in the Chicago Loop have been approved for redevelopment into housing in a bid to revitalize the city’s downtown post-pandemic.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
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