Now that cities and states are recognizing the potential of middle-density zoning, builders and homeowners are getting creative with Accessory Dwelling Unit designs that minimize costs and maximize comfort.
As more states and localities legalize the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on single-family lots, Kol Peterson describes some examples of ADUs in Northern California's East Bay, where relaxed regulations have led to a growth in ADU construction. But despite upzoning initiatives, Peterson writes, "detached ADUs are encumbered by Title 24 with the same standards and requirements as are used for large detached homes, including glazing requirements and appliances such as water heaters."
According to research from Karen Chappel at the University of California Berkeley’s School of Environmental Design, informal ADUs already make up 17 percent of housing stock in the East Bay, signaling a strong need for legalizing and regulating this housing type to ensure safety while allowing property owners to maximize their density and provide a key element of 'missing middle housing.' Peterson tours a variety of formal and informal ADUs in communities around the region, from custom designs to prefabricated ADUs and affordable units that cost just $60,000 to build.
While upzoning for ADUs and other 'mid-density' housing types has become an increasingly popular policy tool for encouraging denser housing development, experts caution that addressing density restrictions alone won't necessarily create more housing if other regulations and local opposition make construction expensive and cumbersome for developers and homeowners.
FULL STORY: ADU LESSONS FROM THE EAST BAY OF CALIFORNIA
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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.