Missing High Class Housing: How Localities Are Streamlining Efforts for ADUs and Other Building Type

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are being utilized across the country to support againg parents or children, to keep family close together and provide lower-cost housing alternatives. Also known as in-law suites or granny flats, ADUs can be detached, garage-style conversions or attached to main homes in basements or separate units. They can add subtle density and increase the number of housing units in a neighborhood while maintaining character.

California State Bill 9 (SB9), effective Jan. 1, 2022, now allows home owners to divide their properties and construct two new units on each lot, effectively legalizing fourplexes in areas that previously allowed only one unit. SB9 was passed along with State Bill 10 and authorizes local government to zone up to 10 homes per parcel in transit-rich areas or urban infill sites.

HBAs have been actively supporting similar legislation in their states, including the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW). BIAW, along with the Spokane Home Builders Association, has supported HB1110, which would allow fourplexes on all residential lots in cities with populations of 6,000 or greater and would require cities with populations greater than 6,000 to allow sixplexes on all lots if at least two of the units are affordable or if the lot is within a half mile of a major transit stop. The city of Spokane is set to release preapproved missing middle housing plans to streamline approvals for duplexes, townhouses and fourplexes. Spokane joins Sacramento and South Bend, Ind. where preapproved multifamily infill housing designs were released in 2022.

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