Expanding the types of homes eligible as accessory dwelling units could help more homeowners afford the construction costs.
The Austin city council could expand the definition of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to include structures known as ‘tiny homes’ and recreational vehicles (RVs) in single-family neighborhoods, writes Jo Clifton in the Austin Monitor.
A resolution before the council asks the city manager to propose changes to the Development Code to accommodate tiny homes and RVs as ADUs. “As the resolution states, Austin’s current Land Development Code only allows RVs within lots zoned for campgrounds, mobile homes and some other commercially zoned uses, but not within single-family zoned districts.”
To address concerns about ADUs being used as short-term rentals rather than contributing to housing stock, an updated version of the resolution “asks the city manager to propose regulations that would require registration with the city if the unit is to be used as a short-term rental.”
Council Member Leslie Pool, who sponsored the resolution, said smaller, more affordable ADUs can enable homeowners to live “a more environmentally conscious, financially stable, and minimalist lifestyle” without the expense of a full-sized residential unit.
FULL STORY: Council considering allowing tiny homes, RVs as accessory dwelling units
Phoenix Approves ADUs
The city hopes backyard ‘casitas’ can help alleviate the housing crisis.
That ADU Would Make a Nice Airbnb
An Airbnb co-founder is jumping in the pre-fab backyard cottage game—but will too many ADUs become short-term rentals to make a difference for housing costs?
Maine Looks To Legalize ‘Missing Middle Housing’
Maine could become the third state to eliminate single-family-only zoning to encourage light density increases in residential areas and make it easier for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units.
Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects
Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.
Ending Downtown San Francisco’s ‘Doom Loop’
A new public space project offers an ambitious vision—so why is the city implementing it at such a small scale?
Proposal Would Transform L.A.’s ‘Freeway to Nowhere’ Into Park, Housing
A never-completed freeway segment could see new life as a mixed-use development with housing, commercial space, and one of the county’s largest parks.
Report: Bike Lanes Can't Make up for New Roads
If California wants to meet its climate goals, the state must stop funding its myriad road construction and expansion projects.
Minneapolis Affordable Housing Project Largest in 20 Years
The city opened its first large multifamily affordable housing complex in decades, but a recent court ruling against the Minneapolis 2040 rezoning plan could jeopardize future projects.
NYC Mayor Proposes Eliminating Parking Minimums
Mayor Adams wants to stop requiring off-site parking for new buildings to reduce the costs of construction as part of the ‘City of Yes’ package of zoning reforms.
Urban3
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington University
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
Lassen County Planning and Building Services
City of San Carlos
National Capital Planning Commission
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.
