Accessory Dwelling Units

Small ADU in backyard.

ADUs as Condos: What Does it Mean for Homeownership?

A California law that allows the sale of ADUs as condos may soon make homeownership more attainable.

August 22, 2024 - Jessica Brown

Historic Victorian houses in San Jose, California.

San Jose Homeowners Can Now Sell ADUs as Condos

A new policy could help boost the supply of smaller, more affordable ‘starter homes’ in the first California city to legalize the sale of ADUs.

August 19, 2024 - San José Spotlight

Aerial view of residential neighborhood on coast near Honolulu in Kahala, Oahu, Hawaii.

How Hawaii Can Make the Most of its ADU Law

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.

August 15, 2024 - Niskanen Center

Beachside homes in Provincetown, Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Affordable Homes Act Targets ADUs, ‘Seasonal Communities’ in Massachusetts

State legislators say the new law could support 65,000 new housing units.

August 9, 2024 - Hoodline

Aerial view of San Fernando, California.

ADU Construction Flourishing in Los Angeles County

The boom is happening in some unexpected areas.

July 30, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Kissimmee, Florida "Founded 1883" crest painted on cracked wall.

Kissimmee Considering Garage Conversion Program

Homeowners could get city support for converting garages to residential units.

July 30, 2024 - WESH 2 News

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

Cincinnati ADU Legalization Slow to Catch On

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

July 16, 2024 - Cincinnati Enquirer

Small backyard cottage with gabled roof in San Diego, California.

San Diego Sees Continued Growth in ADU Permits

Recent changes to regulations have made it easier and more affordable for homeowners to build ‘granny flats,’ and San Diego’s housing stock is benefiting.

June 20, 2024 - Axios San Diego

View of Mount Hood at golden hour with Happy Valley, Oregon homes in foreground.

Clackamas County Votes to Allow ADUs, Residential RVs

County officials hope the zoning changes will help boost the housing supply in the region.

June 18, 2024 - Mountain Times

Aerial view of neighborhood in Lanai City, Hawaii.

Hawaii Housing Laws Promote ADUs, Adaptive Reuse

Over half of Hawaiian households are ‘rent burdened,’ spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing last year.

May 31, 2024 - Associated Press

Maricopa County, Arizona

Arizona Legalizes ADUs and Higher Downtown Density Statewide

Two new laws require cities to permit ‘missing middle housing’ near city centers and ADUs on all single-family lots.

May 28, 2024 - The Real Deal

Blue and red colonial-style multifamily homes in Vermont.

Vermont Issues Missing Middle Housing Toolkit

The state wants to encourage mid-density development to ease the housing crisis and provide a wider variety of housing options for residents.

May 24, 2024 - Congress For New Urbanism

Aerial view of homes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with brick university buildings in distance.

A Look at Milwaukee’s Proposed Zoning Reform

The proposed changes would permit more flexible housing development while limiting changes in historic neighborhoods and on smaller streets.

May 10, 2024 - Urban Milwaukee

SMall backyard cottage ADU in San Diego, California.

How ADUs Can Help Ease the Affordable Housing Crisis

Local policies and programs can encourage homeowner participation and increase the number of ADUs available as low-cost rentals.

May 3, 2024 - Brookings

Facade of brick multistory apartment buildings in New York City with fire scapes.

New York Passes Housing Package Focused on New Development and Adaptive Reuse

The FY 2025 budget includes a new tax incentive, funding for affordable housing on state land, and support for adaptive reuse and ADUs.

April 23, 2024 - Governor Kathy Hochul

Neighborhood in Dallas, Texas

A Survey of Texas Zoning Reform

Zoning changes at the local and state levels are making it easier and faster to build housing.

February 6, 2024 - The Dallas Morning News

View from hilltop of Glendale, Arizona with saguaro cactus in left foreground.

Proposed Legislation Targets Arizona Housing Crisis

A series of state bills address barriers to housing production including parking minimums and ADUs.

February 5, 2024 - Axios Phoenix

Aerial view of Fort Collins, Colorado on sunny day with mountains in background.

Colorado Lawmakers Renew Zoning Reform Efforts

The state legislature will consider a package of land use laws aimed at increasing the housing supply and reducing housing costs.

January 11, 2024 - Greeley Tribune

Aerial view of Whitefish, Montana with fall colors and mountains in background.

Montana Judge Blocks Zoning Reforms

The decision reverses new laws once dubbed the ‘Montana Miracle.’

January 3, 2024 - Reason

SMall backyard cottage ADU in San Diego, California.

San Diegans at Odds Over ‘Granny Towers’

A provision in the city’s ADU ordinance allows developers to build an essentially unlimited number of units on single-family lots.

November 29, 2023 - CALmatters

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.