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Remodel for Extra Income Most of us spend remodel dollars to create amenities we always wanted. A more practical approach would be to use that space above the garage or that space between your home and the next one or even a part of the back yard, if its big enough. They are called "granny units" or "accessory units" or ADU's. They can be wonderful sources of extra income as you raise a family or retire or simply want the extra money. The Objections Generally the housing authorities and community groups are very cautious and tend to limit or deny the use of these projects. Detached rental apartments and backyard cottages are often illegal in traditional single-family neighborhoods. You will have to answer to community quality of living issues such as: 1. They create parking problems 2. Create more crowded conditions using up services that may be limited to begin with. 3. Reduce privacy in quiet neighborhoods 4. Eliminate open space in large back yards. 5. May be unsightly The Benefits 1. As the country ages and boomers retire we will need small affordable living environments. 2. People raising families and needing two incomes may need to rent to granny who would love to be near her grandchildren. 3. Extra rental income 4. Caring for elderly parents, caregivers or nannies. 5. They are an addition to housing stock 6. An upgrade an improvement to the property 7. It should increase tax benefits and revenues to the community 8. Allows the creation of affordable housing without government subsidies The Review Process Here is the resistance to granny units and the issues you may have to overcome before you can build. If you consider the objections of the planning department which must represent the whole community, you stand a much better chance of getting those permits. Consider a special use or permit to help your case. Administrative Review This process generally requires a review and approval process based on code, and soem or all of the objections met without the need for a public hearing. It is the easiest and least time consuming way to go. Conditional Use They are more difficult and often will require a public notice and a judicial review on a case by case procedure. Community Restrictions 1. Communities may limit these permits to owner occupied properties to limit speculation. 2. Communities may require that this be a permanent residence. 3. Communities may require restrictions to the deed. It may be required that both units cannot be rented out at the same time. The use of granny units seems to us to be a major plus and many communities are coming to grips with this. If you have a need or want to do this we think your chances are better than ever, given the demographics of an aging population and the need for affordable housing. Go to your planning dept. or building dept. and get the procedures, read between the lines to understand the basic objections they are trying to regulate and design around them.
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