For Montgomery County in Maryland, accessory dwelling units are a viable strategy to help ease the affordable housing crisis.
"Allowing more accessory apartments doesn’t overhaul zoning a la Minneapolis or Oregon, but provides a first step towards allowing a mix of compatible residential uses in single-family zones. It also starts a larger conversation about how we can provide more inclusive neighborhoods for those who are currently left out," writes Jane Lyons.
She examines more closely the potential of accessory dwelling units in Montgomery County in Maryland, where home prices and rents are high and the majority of the county is zoned for single-family homes. Additional ADUs mean more affordable, sustainable housing in the area.
"Every accessory apartment built on an existing lot in Silver Spring or Bethesda is a new home where infrastructure already exists, rather than in a greenfield farther out that would require new roads, schools, sewers, and water and the destruction of forests and farmland," notes Lyons.
Lyons adds that the county needs to simplify the process for designing, building, and financing ADUs, and it needs to partner with organizations that can support interested homeowners. “None of these initiatives would make a difference if a large swath of homes were barred from building an accessory apartment in the first place. That’s why updating zoning to allow for more accessory apartments was such an important move."
FULL STORY: Small size, big impact: Why accessory apartments matter
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?
Pittsburgh Mayor Proposes Zoning Changes to Curb Housing Shortage
The mayor’s plan includes legalizing ADUs in single-family neighborhoods, eliminating parking requirements, and adding new affordability requirements to buildings with over 20 units.
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.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
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