Accessory Dwelling Units
Coverage of Accessory Dwelling Units in the Nexus archive.
- Layered over ADU law, Senate duplex bill would allow three units on most residential lots
The Massachusetts Senate's economic development bill proposes legalizing two-family homes on most residential lots, combined with existing accessory dwelling unit (ADU) laws, potentially allowing three units per parcel. Lawmakers argue this shift from single-family zoning aims to address housing shortages and retain younger residents by increasing housing supply and affordability.
- Permit Values Top $304 Million as ADU Approvals Climb Under New State Laws
Pasadena has issued 8,354 building permits worth over $304 million this fiscal year, including 214 permits for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). California's updated ADU laws have made backyard units easier and cheaper to build, contributing to the rise in approvals.
- What the new federal housing act means for Louisiana’s real estate market
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, enacted on July 11, aims to boost home construction, expand homeownership, and modernize manufactured housing in Louisiana. Key provisions include eliminating the manufactured home chassis requirement, raising FHA loan limits, and limiting institutional investor purchases of single-family homes.
- Pa. lawmakers push to ease housing costs by making accessory dwellings easier for homeowners to build
Pennsylvania lawmakers are advancing bipartisan bills to increase housing supply by requiring municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right, bypassing local zoning variances. The effort aims to address a projected shortage of 185,000 homes by 2035, though local governments oppose the measure, calling it a one-size-fits-all mandate.
- What the bipartisan housing bill that Trump refuses to sign would mean for you
Congress passed a bipartisan affordable housing bill aimed at increasing housing supply and lowering costs, but President Trump has refused to sign it, citing a need to prioritize his own legislation. The bill includes measures to ease construction regulations and support communities affected by climate crises.
- New rules for modular housing in Colorado go into effect at the end of the month
New rules for modular housing in Colorado, part of SB25-002 signed by Governor Jared Polis, will streamline approval processes by allowing standardized plans for multiple addresses. The law aims to reduce costs and increase housing affordability by enabling manufacturers to build inventory in advance for rural and resort areas.
- City Hall Made Her the Face of a Housing Solution. Now She’s All But Cut Out.
Sadé Singh, a Queens homeowner, promoted accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a housing solution during the Adams administration, but over a year after zoning reforms passed, she remains ineligible to build an ADU on her property due to space constraints and new rules. The city's failure to deliver on ADU promises has left her disillusioned, despite her public advocacy and participation in official campaigns.
- Is the answer to the housing crunch right in your own backyard?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are small secondary homes located on the same property as a main home, usually in the backyard, helping to fill a vital need for housing. ADUs are fully-functional and can provide an affordable solution where housing is scarce or expensive. This concept can help alleviate the housing crunch.