Cincinnati ADU Legalization Slow to Catch On

Only four permits have been filed since the city made ‘granny flats’ legal last year.

1 minute read

July 16, 2024, 6:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Collage of six backyard cottages/ADUs in Cincinnati, Ohio.

ADU examples provided by the city of Cincinnati in a presentation. | City of Cincinnati / Accessory Dwelling Units

Months after Cincinnati legalized accessory dwelling units (ADUs), only four permit applications for ADUs have been filed, writes Killian Baarlaer in the Cincinnati Enquirer. However, city officials are hopeful that more homeowners will take advantage of the program as it becomes more widely known and its benefits become more clear.

According to city council member Mark Jeffreys, ADUs, while not a silver bullet, can make an impact on the housing shortage, create opportunities for older adults to ‘age in place,’ and let homeowners earn extra income. “A 2022 study by the National Low Income Housing Coalition found that Cincinnati needs to add 49,510 rental units that are affordable to extremely low-income families to meet demand.”

To address concerns about rampant short-term rentals (STRs) and out-of-town investors buying up homes, the ordinance mandates “the land owner or a ‘responsible person’ who is designated by the owner to live in one of the dwellings and manage the lot.” The ordinance does not prohibit STRs or contain a minimum lease term, a sticking point for some opponents.

Saturday, July 13, 2024 in Cincinnati Enquirer

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

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?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

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?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

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.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of schoolyard in Oakland, California with newly planted trees, sports courts, and playground equipment.

Greening Oakland’s School Grounds

With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

5 hours ago - FacilitiesNet

Power lines at golden hour with downtown Los Angeles in far background.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas

Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

6 hours ago - Los Angeles Times

Green roadside sign with white text reading "Entering Nez Perce Indian Reservation" against grassy field and blue sky.

Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship

In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.

7 hours ago - The Conversation