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What ADUs Are — And What They Can Do ADUs are a family -friendly, community -creating type of housing the nation needs more of Although many people have never heard the term, accessory dwelling units have been around for centuries (see page 6) and are identified by many different names. To be clear about what's being discussed: • An ADU is a small residence that shares a single-family lot with a larger, primary dwelling • As an independent living space, an ADU is self-contained, with its own kitchen or kitchenette, bathroom and sleeping area • An ADU can be located within, attached to or detached from the main residence • An ADU can be converted from an existing structure (such as a garage) or built anew • ADUs are found in cities, in suburbs and in rural areas, yet are often invisible from view because they're positioned behind or are tucked within a larger home • Because ADUs are built on single-family lots as a secondary dwelling, they typically cannot be partitioned off to be sold separately • An ADU can enable family members (including family caregivers) to reside on the same property while having their own living spaces • An ADU can provide housing for a hired caregiver • An ADU can provide rental income to homeowners • ADUs are a practical option for tenants seeking small, affordably priced rental housing • For homeowners looking to downsize, an ADU can be a more appealing option than moving into an apartment or, if they're older, an age -restricted community • ADUs can help older residents remain independent and "age in place" • As an adaptable form of housing, ADUs provide flexible solutions for changing needs. ■ ADUs Are Also Known As ... Although most local governments, zoning codes and planners in the United States use the term accessory dwelling unit or ADU, these small homes and apartments are known by dozens of other names. The different terms conjure up different images. (Who " wouldn't rather live in a " "carriage house" than in an accessory or "ancillary" unit?) Even if you've never heard _ — of accessory dwelling units Etaa ■ or ADUs, you have likely .. heard of — and perhaps —i NIX know the locations of — = some of the home types noted in the list at right. ■ A Renting out this 350-square-foot garage -conversion ADU in Portland, Oregon, helps the property owner, who lives in the lot's primary residence, pay her home mortgage. - r= 1 Accessory dwelling units show up in neighborhoods throughout the country — and even in pop culture. One example: In the sitcom Happy Days, Fonzie (right) rents an above -garage ADU from the Cunningham family in 1950s-era Milwaukee, Wisconsin. • accessory apartment • backyard bungalow • basement apartment • casita • carriage house • coach house • English basement • garage apartment • granny flat • guest cottage • guest house • in-law suite • laneway house • multi -generational house • ohana unit • secondary dwelling unit n 2 A A RIP I The ABCs of ADUs