Cities in the region want to increase flexibility for homeowners who want to build 'granny flats' on their property.

Accessory dwelling units, granny flats, in-law units—whatever you call them, the concept of building additional housing units on single-family lots has taken off across the country. Now cities in the Boston area, which have long restricted ADU construction, are "mulling so-called accessory dwelling units as one way to add housing without drastically altering the feel of neighborhoods," reports Andy Rosen. "A 2018 study by the free-market Pioneer Institute found that only 37 of 100 municipalities surrounding Boston allowed ADUs for rental to anyone other than a homeowner’s family or caregiver. And in many of those cities and towns, the rules were so strict that few people were building them."
"This spring, both Arlington and Salem passed measures to allow such units. Framingham and Barnstable, among others, are considering doing so, as well. Boston is expanding a similar 2019 program, and some candidates in the city’s mayor’s race are calling for even more permissive rules to encourage them." As Rosen writes, "[s]upporters say they are good tools to help older people and those on fixed incomes stay in their homes by converting unused space into income-producing property, while providing relatively low-cost rental stock."
The Boston program also aims to "bring unpermitted units into compliance and to ensure they meet safety standards." While "ADUs won’t come close to solving the region’s housing crunch on their own," more permissive zoning and "a thoughtful approach could house thousands of people across the region."
FULL STORY: For years, in-law apartments have been discouraged in Greater Boston. The housing shortage is changing that

In Most U.S. Cities, Archaic Laws Limit Roommate Living
Critics argue laws preventing unrelated adults from living in the same home fail to understand the modern American household.

Ten Signs of a Resurgent Downtown
In GeekWire, Chuck Wolfe continues his exploration of a holistic and practical approach to post-pandemic urban center recovery, anchored in local context and community-driven initiatives that promote livability, safety, and sustainability.

Transforming Downtowns Into Functional Neighborhoods
Rather than ‘monofunctional’ business districts or urban playgrounds, American downtown districts could become multipurpose neighborhoods.

An Equity Approach to Lead Pipe Replacement
A former Chicago health commissioner calls on governments to prioritize the most marginalized and historically disinvested communities when distributing funding to replace lead pipes, which have taken the highest toll on the health of disadvantaged c

Supreme Court Limits Clean Water Act’s Power
A recent ruling ‘dramatically’ restricts the law’s reach when it comes to protecting wetlands.

Albany Freeway Ramp Reimagined as Park, Trail
An underused freeway exit ramp is now an inviting linear park that connects the city to the Hudson River.
City of Bellevue
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
Code Studio
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Montrose County
Knox County
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.