To address a serious housing shortage, New York City is trying to get more homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
The city recently unveiled a program that offers owners of single-family homes up to nearly $400,000 to construct an apartment on their property. The program is modest in scope, limiting the number of grants to 15 homeowners, but the city hopes it will create momentum for building more granny flats.
The mayor’s administration is also backing zoning changes to allow homeowners in more parts of the city to add ADUs. Previous government initiatives to modify regulations and encourage development of ADUs have largely failed, according to a report in the New York Times. Suburban legislators helped stymie Gov. Kathy Hochul’s attempt this year to ease some restrictions, the Times reported.
Although many people conceive of New York as a high-density area, lower-density neighborhoods make up more than half of the city’s land. These neighborhoods can accommodate many ADUs.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2020
Updated spec for self-adhering flashing surrounding exterior fenestration products released
FGIA document was last updated in 2013.
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2020
Finalized 2021 Energy Code leaves out future-proofing provision
Appeals process nixed requirement for residential electrification readiness.
Codes and Standards | Nov 23, 2020
GBCI turns over GRESB ownership to global investment firm
Organization assesses sustainability performance of real estate and infrastructure portfolios and assets.
Codes and Standards | Nov 23, 2020
New industrywide clay brick EPD launched
Contributes toward LEED v.4.0 and v.4.1 materials and resources requirements.
Codes and Standards | Nov 19, 2020
The ‘15-minute city’ could transform municipal planning
Concept aims for car-free living.
Codes and Standards | Nov 18, 2020
Commissioning study finds median energy savings of 3% to 16%
Berkeley Lab examines results of commissioning across building types.
Codes and Standards | Nov 17, 2020
Midtown Manhattan’s empty offices could be converted to affordable housing
Advocates envision idle offices re-zoned to alleviate housing crisis.
Codes and Standards | Nov 16, 2020
New concrete detailing manual includes downloadable CAD files
American Concrete Institute document contains guidance on codes for structural concrete.
Codes and Standards | Nov 12, 2020
California rent control measure defeated
Golden State voters reject Proposition 21.
Codes and Standards | Nov 11, 2020
NY court ruling makes it easier for condo boards to sue investors for construction defects
Investors would be tapped for damages on such cases.