2022.02.01 WS Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ADU Beneﬁts EXPANDING HOUSING OPTIONS An ADU can have a positive effect on your community. ADUs provide more housing options in neighborhoods that are already built out, which can help relieve the growing demand for housing in a way that does not alter the character of existing neighborhoods. HOUSING FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CAREGIVERS ADUs can provide important independent living space for friends, family members and caregivers. Many homeowners are motivated to build their ADU to provide a combination of in-home care and independent living for a family member. The cost of ADU construction and maintenance may be comparable or less expensive than some assisted- living or skilled-nursing facilities, with the added beneﬁt of keeping a loved one close by. AGING IN PLACE AND DOWNSIZING Some people move into the ADU while their adult children move into the main house, or they rent out the main house for extra revenue in retirement. EARNINGINCOME Depending on the circumstances, rental income may make it possible to cover the cost of monthly loan payments and, over a number of years, pay back the initial cost of the ADU’s construction. Even when ﬁnancial returns are not a primary motivation, earning rental income might make it possible to work part-time, stay home with a child or save for a major expense. REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ADUs tend to be environmentally-friendly simply because they are smaller and use less energy for heating, cooling and light (Stephan and Crawford 2016). Energy-saving designs can be incorporated into an ADU, further lowering its environmental impact. ADUs may help reduce transportation-related environmental impacts when they are located near employment centers and established public transit routes. A 2014 study found that ADU residents in Portland were less likely than other residents to own cars (Brown and Palmeri 2014). 12 13