The city hopes the free plans will streamline the permitting process for homeowners and help spur more housing construction.
Joining cities as diverse as Raleigh, Los Angeles, and South Bend, Salem, Oregon is launching its own pre-approved accessory dwelling unit (ADU) program, which will provide residents with ‘ready build’ plans that meet code requirements.
As John Ross Ferrara reports for KOIN, the plans will be freely accessible, but homeowners must still apply and pay fees for the appropriate permits. According to a city statement, “The ready-build ADU plans lower barriers to building ADUs by providing architectural plans at no additional charge and expediting the building permit process.”
The city added, “The city conducted a Housing Needs Analysis in 2014 and has been working since then to promote housing affordability, availability, and choice.” Salem adapted its plans from the city of Eugene, which shared its own pre-approved designs.
FULL STORY: City of Salem simplifies accessory-dwelling unit process with ‘ready-build’ plans
Berkeley Launches ADU Amnesty Program
Owners of unpermitted accessory dwelling units can bring their units up to code and obtain certificates of compliance without facing penalties.
How Cities Can Support ADU Production
Although state-level laws are making it easier for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units, high impact and development fees remain a major barrier for many prospective ADU builders.
How Hawaii Can Make the Most of its ADU Law
The state recently legalized accessory dwelling units in residential districts, but there’s more state lawmakers can do to reduce other hurdles to large-scale ADU production.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.
Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
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