Accessory Dwelling Units

Montana Judge Blocks Zoning Reforms
The decision reverses new laws once dubbed the ‘Montana Miracle.’

San Diegans at Odds Over ‘Granny Towers’
A provision in the city’s ADU ordinance allows developers to build an essentially unlimited number of units on single-family lots.

Durham Eliminates Parking Requirements
Another domino has fallen in the parking reform movement.

Federal Court Dismisses Huntington Beach Housing Lawsuit
A federal judge on November 13 dismissed a lawsuit the Orange County city filed against the state and the Southern California Association of Governments in March in an attempt to exempt itself from state housing laws.

A Look at Milwaukee’s Zoning Reform Proposal
The ‘Growing MKE’ plan calls for allowing ADUs, reducing barriers to new construction, and expanding the types of housing available in the city’s residential areas.

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.

Federal Rule Change Lets Banks Include ADU Income in Mortgage Decisions
A policy change from the Federal Housing Administration is designed to spur more rental housing construction and bring homeownership within reach of more U.S. households.

Creating Affordable Housing is a Priority for ADU Owners
How accessory dwelling units can benefit homeowners and renters alike.

Opinion: ADUs Are Not the Solution to the Housing Crisis
One writer argues that backyard homes can hinder community-building and relegate some residents to the shadows.

Will New York ‘City of Yes’ Proposal Make an Impact?
Some housing experts say the rezoning plan is not nearly ambitious enough to make a dent in the city’s housing crisis.

Austin Could Legalize Tiny Homes, RVs as ADUs
Expanding the types of homes eligible as accessory dwelling units could help more homeowners afford the construction costs.

ADU Permits Spike in Sacramento County
Backyard cottages, known as accessory dwelling units, are touted as one solution to the rising cost of housing.

Phoenix Approves ADUs
The city hopes backyard ‘casitas’ can help alleviate the housing crisis.

ADUs, Minimum Lot Sizes, and Quadplexes Under Discussion in Traverse City
Zoning changes for everything from housing density to minimum lot sizes are under consideration for a city on the shores of Lake Michigan.

New Research Builds Evidence for Zoning Reform
Cityscape has published a collection of new research building support for zoning reforms as a tool for mitigating the effects of the housing affordability crisis.

Kingston, New York Goes 100 Percent Form-Based for its New Code
Kingston recently adopted a form-based code, taking the rare step to entirely replace its old zoning code with form-based standards while also repealing parking requirements and allowing accessory dwelling units and missing middle housing.

What Happened to the Tiny Homes Revolution?
Tiny homes were one of the hot button topics of the previous decade. In 2023? Not so much.

Richmond Poised to Make ADUs By-Right
A new ordinance would reduce costs and delays for building or converting accessory dwelling units in single-family neighborhoods.

ADU Demand Grows Across the West Coast
In communities from California to Washington, permit applications for accessory dwelling units outpace the ability of permitting and construction to keep pace.
Pagination
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service