New York State is considering The Accessory Homes Act

I am excited to see that there is proposed legislation in New York State - The Accessory Homes Act - aiming to legalize ADUs statewide. Coming from Portland which has been at the forefront of the ADU trend, and Oregon which recently passed legislation to also legalize accessory dwelling units statewide, it is great to see that this housing type is spreading across the country. This is great news for New Yorkers.

This legislation is a huge win for the state of New York including homeowners, renters, affordable housing advocates, and landlords alike. It is rare to see legislation that will benefit such a wide spectrum of groups and businesses. And it is encouraging to see that elected leaders are looking for new ways to address housing issues facing our cities and towns by allowing for the addition of new housing typologies.

The Accessory Homes Act (S4547, A4854) would direct local governments to legalize accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in all areas that are zoned for residential use, thereby providing extra income for homeowners, new affordable housing, reasonable protections for tenants, and new tax revenue for local governments. The bill is backed by a diverse coalition of housing nonprofits, tenant activists, policy organizations, fair housing and immigrant justice organizations, and more

I’m particularly glad to see that part of this legislation calls for the state to make the permitting and approval process for these projects streamlined, reasonable, and affordable. This will go a long way in encouraging people to add accessory dwelling units to their properties across New York State.

Thank you to New York State Assemblymember Harvey Epstein and New York State Senator Pete Harckham for introducing this important legislation.

You can read the full bill here:
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/A4854

You can send a letter in support of the bill using this link:
https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-albany-to-legalize-accessory-dwelling-units?source=direct_link&

Benefits of ADUs:

ADUs increase housing options both for renters, multi-generational living, and for those looking to downsize.
ADUs are relatively affordable to build because there is no cost to the land.
ADUs can provide rental income to families - helping them pay off mortgages or debt, have additional spending money, save for putting children through college, or plan for retirement.
ADUs are inherently sustainable developments - they double down on existing infrastructure rather than requiring cities to invest in expanding utilities and roads. Being small, they also have lower demand for energy and water use.
ADUs provide cities and towns with new residents and an increased tax base.
ADUs can be beautiful - great design can make these highly desirable places to live.
ADUs increase property values for homeowners.

I believe when this legislation passes it will be great for New York State and I’m glad elected officials are working to allow these projects statewide. Although some may be concerned about this change and how it will affect the character of their neighborhoods, I reassure you that change is good as it shows we are making progress towards addressing some of the issues related to housing and affordability. WIth the nature of ADUs being smaller homes located on existing property, they have a minimal impact on the surrounding neighborhood other than introducing new neighbors and new customers for local businesses. I have experienced firsthand how ADUs, granny flats, or guest suites, have grown in popularity across Portland and become a highly desirable addition to properties. They have been supported by politicians, homeowner groups, housing developers, affordable housing advocates, and community groups. Each year the demand for these projects increase as people realize all of the benefits they provide. And each year more people advocate for more of these projects to be allowed as they see the benefits they bring to a neighborhood.

ADU Design Services

I have worked with clients on the design of over 60 ADU projects to date. Most of these are in the greater Portland, OR area but I’ve also worked on a projects in Seattle, and the Bay Area. Having returned to New York about a year ago I’m looking forward to advocating for these project types across the state, and working with people to add ADUs to their properties. There are a range of reasons ADUs benefit homeowners and renters alike. I have worked on accessory dwelling units aimed at aging-in-place and barrier free living. Others were targeting Airbnb or short term rentals to generate additional income. Some clients were looking to downsize and move into the ADU once their children moved out, or building granny flats for aging family members who needed additional care. Regardless of the use, ADUs are great assets for homeowners and renters alike. I even sell plans of pre-designed ADUs for those who would like to save some time and money compared to going with a fully customized design.

If you have any questions about ADUs, want to learn more about the cost of designing and building these project types, or would like to discuss design ideas for a specific project, please get in touch. I love answering questions and sharing my expertise in this wonderful project type. I’m also taking on new clients if you are looking for a designer.

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