What is an ADU or tiny house?
So what is an ADU anyway? It seems like they’re all the buzz all of a sudden. It can be hard to find a cut and dry explanation as to what they are exactly. There isn’t exactly a one size fits all answer for what an ADU is, due to regional vocabulary differences and varying intentions for what they’re used for, the many structures that can fall under the ADU umbrella, and inconsistent or nonexistent zoning law and building code language across state, county, and city levels across the country. The good news however, is that there is also a lot of flexibility in what an ADU can be for you and we will try make it all easier to digest by breaking it down into those same factors: intention, structure, and law/code.
Intention
Let’s start with intention. ADU stands for Accessory Dwelling Unit. ADU’s serve as a self-sufficient dwelling unit, meaning it would have it’s own entrance, bathroom, kitchen, sleeping quarters, and living space. There also typically is not a separate mailing address for the accessory unit. The intention is to have a second dwelling unit, typically on the property that you reside in. A tiny house or tiny home is sometimes used synonymously with ADU and also falls under the umbrella of an ADU. Some other terms that you may have heard, which fall under the ADU umbrella, include guest house, granny/mother-in-law suite, tiny house on wheels, garage apartment, and many many more. This can give you a sense of what the possible uses are. ADUs can house friends or family and provide a cozy home to age in place near loved ones. They can also provide the homeowner with a guest house or second residence to rent out on a short or long term basis. The reasons that are available to you will depend on your applicable zoning laws and building codes (more on that later). Moral of the story is that there are many reasons one may want an ADU on their property which opens up many possibilities.
Structure
From a structural standpoint, ADUs can come in many forms. There is no one uniform way to define or categorize ADUs, but most commonly you can find them categorized by whether they are attached, detached, or interior/conversion. Let’s take a closer look at each category:
Attached: An attached unit is a unit that is outside of the primary residence, but structurally attached to the primary residence. From the outside this may simply look like another room of the house or an addition that extends from the primary residence.
Detached: A detached unit is a unit that is totally detached from the primary residence. You may find this unit far in the back yard away from the house, or as a tiny house on wheels (a tiny house built on top of a trailer which can be relocated as needed).
Interior/conversion: An interior or conversion unit can be many things, but generally it is a unit that is within the primary residence, such as an interior basement unit, a garage converted (hence conversion) into an accessory dwelling unit, or an above garage unit.
Bonus Note: ADU vs. Duplex
There is certainly some crossover in a ADU vs. Duplex Venn diagram. Generally, the following factors (and others) would make it more likely that your additional unit would be considered an ADU rather than a duplex:
A close relationship to the other tenant such as a close friend or family member;
No/less rent is being charged to the other tenant;
Utilities are shared;
One mailing address used for both units;
A notable difference in the size between the two units.
As you have found here, there are many forms an ADU can take, which opens a whole world of possibilities for someone looking to add a tiny home or granny flat to their property.
Zoning Law & Building Code
Zoning law and building code at the state, county, and city level is where some research will need to be done. As we’d mentioned before, zoning and code may define why you can have an ADU, what it can look like, or where it can be located. In a best case scenario, your applicable laws/code will have language that speaks to multiple dwelling units on a single family residence or specifically speaking to “ADUs”. Your laws may also speak to whether you may have a rental unit on your property, including whether they can be short and/or long term rentals. One more consideration we’ll mention here is that there may be limitations on where on your lot an accessory unit may be located, such as how close to the primary residence or how close to the edge of the lot. As always with building a new structure on your property, consult your local laws and codes to have a better understanding of your options.
Bonus Note: Navigating Law and Code
You may have trouble speaking with your local permitting office if they are unfamiliar with the topic of ADUs. This is where general contractors familiar with ADUs can come in very handy. As we’d mentioned, there is no uniform way ADUs are defined, and in turn there is no one uniform way to learn your options. Ace of Space has experience navigating varying laws and codes and can help you zero in on what your options are.
In Conclusion
In closing, we hope you have found a little more clarity in the wide range of options in terms of what an ADU can be and what it is not. If you are interested in ADUs, explore how you’d want to use it, what you’d want it to look like, and what your options are legally. In order to limit frustration and wasted time, it may make most sense to investigate your legal options first. From there you can explore which option makes most sense for you and then you can turn your newfound dream project into a reality.
Reach out to Ace of Space to start the conversation about your dream ADU today! 🛸🛸🛸