DC Rewrites the ADU and Backyard Cottage Handbook

The District of Columbia (DC), like every other city in the US, is facing an affordable housing crisis. But they are taking a proactive approach to help people build their own ADU or Backyard Cottage.

A growing trend in the US is to create backyard cottages and basement apartments to provide additional income or additional living space for family members. In 2016, DC changed its zoning regulations, allowing single-family homeowners to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on their lot as a matter of right. That means homeowners do not need to seek special permission to build an accessory apartment.

However, while enthusiasm may be high for some residents, the task of building a new living unit can seem daunting.

It’s intended to reach low and moderate-income homeowners who could benefit from the wealth-building opportunity of having a rental unit on their property, as well as professionals, like architects and contractors. At the same time, they hope to create affordable rental units to benefit low-income households.

Before beginning the design process of an accessory apartment, each homeowner will have to ask a series of questions that will help them to design a space that best suits their goals and needs. Below are questions and considerations for a homeowner to keep in mind:

Why do you want to build an accessory apartment?

• Where will the ADU be located?
• What are the zoning restrictions of the ADU?
• Who is the ADU for?
• How much will it cost?

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The Modcoach writes the Modcoach News, Modular Home Coach and Off-Site Construction News blogs. Modcoach Connects matches Consultants with Clients. 

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