- DESIGN
WHAT IS AN ADU?
By Jane Biggeln
Doesn’t everyone wish they had a guest cottage for when family and friends come to visit for extended periods of time?
I know I would!
On January 1, 2020, six new pieces of legislation went into effect, making it easier and more affordable for many homeowners to do just that with an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). ADUs have been more commonly known as a guest cottage, casita, granny flat or a mother-in-law quarters just to name a few.
There are multiple benefits of an ADU. For example, many Peninsula residents who are choosing to age-in-place could find that an ADU provides living quarters for home care givers to live on site. If choosing to age in place, an ADU could also provide a source of extra income which could help allow them to stay in their homes rather than be required to downsize due to cost of living. Alternately, Peninsula residents could have their aging parents move into a guest cottage(ADU) so they can remain independent but be close to home. Or, what a dream to be able to have your adult children stay in a casita (ADU) for a year or longer while they save up for a down payment on their first home!
To date, each city on The Peninsula is permitting ADUs. Certain cities have even received grants from the CA Department of Housing & Community Development toward developing ADU programs. If you are interested in considering an ADU/Guest Cottage/Casita, we have insight to ADUs and each property may have options.
