In response to the growing housing scarcity across 47 states and Washington, D.C., the acceptance of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a solution is increasing. ADUs refer to residential structures built on the same property as detached single-family homes, and they are gaining traction as a means to address housing density and provide diverse and affordable housing options.

Several state legislatures have introduced ADU bills this year, adding to the upward trend of state-level ADU legislation. Notable states such as California, Oregon, and Maine have already garnered attention for their successful implementation of by-right ADU development.

 

The American Planning Association (APA) recently released an article which highlights five significant ADU bills that have been introduced and their progress in different states. They covered Montana's SB 528, Washington's HB 1110/SB 5190, Rhode Island's HB 6082, Colorado's SB 23-213, and Arizona's SB 1117. Each bill addresses various aspects of ADU development, including zoning codes, density requirements, permitting processes, and owner occupancy regulations.

The APA emphasizes the importance of ADUs in expanding affordable housing options and encourages planners to proactively embrace them. The APA provides resources such as AARP's ADU Model Legislation and the Equity in Zoning Policy Guide to assist planners in tailoring ADU proposals to meet local needs and remove barriers to development.

With housing supply and affordability becoming critical issues, ADUs offer potential benefits for both renters and homeowners. They provide an opportunity to create a wider range of housing options, allow aging populations to remain close to family, and utilize existing housing infrastructure in established neighborhoods.

While some ADU bills have faced challenges in passing, the trajectory of ADU legislation is positive, with an expectation of their return in future legislative sessions. As more states grapple with housing affordability, ADUs are gaining recognition as a viable solution, and state-level policies are increasingly aligning with local efforts to address the housing crisis.

https://planning.org/blog/9270835/five-key-adu-state-bills/