Accessory Dwelling Units Uses

Accessory Dwelling Units Uses

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot. The term “accessory dwelling unit” has an institutional ring to it, but it is the most used term to describe this type of housing across the country. While the full name is lengthy, the abbreviation “ADU” is more concise. While the term ADU is the most widely used term, there are many uses for an ADU. Here are some use cases.

What are Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)?

What are Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)?

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are small dwellings that are separate from a single-family home but share the same property. Tiny houses, granny flats, carriage houses, and in-law apartments are all options. There are attached ADUs, or units that are attached to the main house, and detached ADUs, or units that are not attached to the main house. An ADU can be a separate structure, a basement addition, or even a garage apartment.

ADUs and Affordability

ADUs and Affordability

As small, infill housing, ADUs often provide a lower-cost option for residents in neighborhoods where other homes are unaffordable.

Their owners may benefit from the rental income that an ADU can provide, which in some cases could help a homeowner afford to stay in place. Given the high cost of construction, however, the opportunity to build or rent an ADU is not affordable to all Seattle residents. This section provides some preliminary insights about the types of areas where ADUs have been created and identifies areas for further survey research.