Accessory dwelling units, also known as granny flats of mother-in-law units, are gaining popularity all over the country.
Carey L. Biron surveys the regulatory and market scene and finds widespread interest in accessory dwelling units—from Washington, D.C. to nearby Montgomery County to the West Cost.
Biron describes California as the leader in ADUs, after approving a statewide law in 2017 that legalized the development type all over state.
Biron also notes that some housing advocates and city officials "see granny flats as an opportunity to help low-income communities resist gentrification," citing Denver to highlight the work of West Denver Renaissance Collaborative toward those ends.
FULL STORY: Cities' interest in granny flats at 'fever pitch' amid U.S. housing crisis
NYC Likely to Legalize ADUs as Part of ‘City of Yes’ Reforms
Homeowners in some neighborhoods could soon be able to build accessory dwelling units in their backyards, garages, or basements.
The ADU Movement Grows Around the Country
More states and cities are promoting backyard cottages, converted garages, and other add-on units. Are they making an impact?
San Diego Begins to See Results of State Housing Law
Homeowners in Southern California are starting to take advantage of a state law that allows lot splitting and higher density in residential areas in an effort to increase housing supply and affordability.
Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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