Accessory Dwelling Units
Maine Legislators, in Search of a Fix for Rising Housing Costs, Consider Zoning Reforms
The housing affordability crisis is a legislative priority in the Pine Tree State.
A Tour of East Bay ADUs
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.
Affordable Housing Planned Around Atlanta's New Westside Park
The 65 new units will include single-family homes with ADUs, duplexes, and fourplexes, according to Invest Atlanta.
Eliminating Single-Family Zoning Alone Won't Solve California's Housing Crisis
While zoning reforms can help reduce barriers to building more housing, high construction costs and local opposition mean that the state won't see an immediate boom in density.
How the Iconic Dingbat Took Over Los Angeles
The low-slung, car-oriented apartment buildings represent a mid-century solution to a housing shortage and offer valuable lessons for new development.
California Assembly Advances Statewide Upzoning Bill
California's Senate Bill 9 would allow up to four housing units on lots traditionally zoned for single-family homes, paving the way for more 'gentle density.'
Norfolk's 'Missing Middle Pattern Book' Aims to Streamline Permitting for Multi-Family Housing
Acknowledging the region's dire need for more diverse housing stock, city leaders hope the pre-approved designs, along with necessary zoning reforms, will encourage more construction of 'missing middle housing.'
This Washington City Quietly Eliminated Single-Family Zoning
Walla Walla's 2018 zoning reforms included adaptive reuse, reduced parking requirements, and more relaxed rules for accessory dwelling units.
Greater Boston Considers Relaxing ADU Rules as Housing Shortage Deepens
Cities in the region want to increase flexibility for homeowners who want to build 'granny flats' on their property.
Strong Demand in the First Month of Chicago's Coach House Pilot Program
The first month of a three-year pilot program that legalizes the construction and conversion of coach houses—a local form of accessory dwelling unit—is responding to strong demand in Chicago.
San Diego Residents Challenge the City's ADU Regulations
Residents in some of the city's single-family neighborhoods worry about the potential impacts of ADU construction on local character and parking.
Chicago's Disappearing Multi-Unit Buildings
The city is seeing a rapid loss of its signature two-, three-, and four-flat residential buildings, which historically served as affordable housing for working-class families.
Balancing Aesthetics and Affordability
Policies too narrowly focused on design can drive up the cost of construction and prevent the development of affordable housing.
With Regulations Loosened, Granny Flat Construction Soars in California
Less restrictive permit laws and pre-fabricated, pre-approved building options are spurring more homeowners to build backyard additions.
Zoning Revision Process Hits Snags in Philadelphia
A pair of advocates criticize recent actions to slow zoning revisions in the city of Philadelphia.
Los Angeles Streamlines ADU Permits with High-Design Templates
Los Angeles' ADU Standard Plan Program will offer homeowners a set of pre-approved designs that will save them time and money.
Housing and Land Use on Washington's Legislative Agenda
The Washington State legislature will consider a number of bills this session that would alter planning and development in a state grappling with population growth and rising housing costs.
Proposed Law Would Legalize Accessory Dwelling Units in New York State
Advocates have been calling for the New York State Legislature to legalize accessory dwelling units for years. A new law would take the first step.
Lawsuit Targets Granny Flat Law Compliance in California
A real estate group claims the city has been denying and delaying ADU permits in violation of city and state laws.
How Atlanta Plans to Overhaul Zoning for Housing Affordability
The "Atlanta City Design: Housing" initiative is one of the most ambitious planning reform efforts of any large U.S. city, but it's just getting started.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
