Many homeowners are building separate apartments as granny flats for extra income. The Wall Street Journal offers advice for coping with local building and zoning regulations.
"More homeowners are looking at mother-in-law apartments as a way to accommodate the needs of extended family or generate extra income. In-law units are desirable in many urban markets because they create affordable housing for renters, extra income for homeowners who want mortgage help, or long-term guest suites that allow owners with far-flung friends and family to have privacy during visits... City and county attitudes about accessory apartments vary widely throughout the country. Most define accessory units as spaces that include their own entrance, plumbing, kitchens and square footage similar to a studio apartment or apartment. Some municipalities, in an effort to foster affordable housing or prevent sprawl, have loosened regulations on mother-in-law units."
Thanks to Chris Steins
FULL STORY: When Adding a Unit, Consider These Factors

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Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

HSR Reaches Key Settlement in Northern California City
The state’s high-speed rail authority reached an agreement with Millbrae, a key city on the train’s proposed route to San Francisco.

Washington State Legislature Passes Parking Reform Bill
A bill that would limit parking requirements for new developments is headed to the governor’s desk.

Missouri Law Would Ban Protections for Housing Voucher Users
A state law seeks to overturn source-of-income discrimination bans passed by several Missouri cities.
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