In June 2016, Asheville City Council made it easier for more homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their property. That’s when they changed the ADU regulations and made this zoning tool available to be used on a wider range of residential properties. And that’s a good thing for homeowners and the larger community alike.
Check out the video
If you are wondering if an ADU may be a good investment on your residential property, we encourage you to take a look at this video (edited and used with permission from Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality). And if you enjoy it, we hope you consider sharing it with your friends and neighbors. ADUs are good for Asheville – pass it on!
What’s an ADU again?
ADUs are additional living quarters on single-family lots that are independent of the primary dwelling unit. The separate living spaces are equipped with kitchen and bathroom facilities, and can be either attached or detached from the main residence.
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- An attached accessory dwelling unit is a part of the primary dwelling but is a separate, complete dwelling unit with its own entrance and exit. These units share the same roof and are within the envelope of the main house (e.g. basement or attic apartment).
- A detached accessory dwelling unit is separated from the primary dwelling as a stand-alone structure (e.g. granny flat, garage apartment, small cottage).
Why would we want more ADUs in Asheville?
First, they benefit the property owner. Homeowners may use an ADU to meet family needs (like housing an aging parent or adult children), or they may offer it as a long-term rental to add to their income.
But the community also benefits, because each ADU that is built adds another needed residential unit to the rental stock. ADUs are a win-win.