The city hopes the free plans will streamline the permitting process for homeowners and help spur more housing construction.
Joining cities as diverse as Raleigh, Los Angeles, and South Bend, Salem, Oregon is launching its own pre-approved accessory dwelling unit (ADU) program, which will provide residents with ‘ready build’ plans that meet code requirements.
As John Ross Ferrara reports for KOIN, the plans will be freely accessible, but homeowners must still apply and pay fees for the appropriate permits. According to a city statement, “The ready-build ADU plans lower barriers to building ADUs by providing architectural plans at no additional charge and expediting the building permit process.”
The city added, “The city conducted a Housing Needs Analysis in 2014 and has been working since then to promote housing affordability, availability, and choice.” Salem adapted its plans from the city of Eugene, which shared its own pre-approved designs.
FULL STORY: City of Salem simplifies accessory-dwelling unit process with ‘ready-build’ plans
Berkeley Launches ADU Amnesty Program
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Although state-level laws are making it easier for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units, high impact and development fees remain a major barrier for many prospective ADU builders.
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The state recently legalized accessory dwelling units in residential districts, but there’s more state lawmakers can do to reduce other hurdles to large-scale ADU production.
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
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