Secondary suite

**Overview of Secondary Suites**:
– Naming conventions vary by time-period and location
– Prevalence depends on time and location
– Regulations vary widely in different jurisdictions
– Rise in popularity in recent years
– Various names include ADU, granny flat, coach house, etc.
– Secondary suites are considered accessory to the primary residence
– Types of accessory units include interior, interior with modification, and detached units
– Examples like garage apartments, up-and-down duplexes, and basement suites

**Benefits and Drawbacks**:
Benefits:
– Creating more affordable housing options
– Enabling seniors to age-in-place
– Supporting diverse and multi-generational households
– Improving home maintenance and homeownership rates
– Creating energy-efficient housing
Drawbacks:
– Complex property linkages may cause difficulties
– Permission required for changes if units are sold or rented
– Challenges in selling or renting units or buildings
– Potential conflicts between parties
– Legal complexities in shared property ownership

**Country-specific Information**:
Australia:
– Term ‘granny flat’ used for secondary dwellings
– Approval processes vary between States and Territories
– New South Wales led in new granny flat constructions in 2018
– Federal government launched a study on prefabricated buildings in 2019
– $2 million allocated for the initial study and an innovation lab for manufacturers
Canada:
– Secondary suites have existed since the 19th century
– Popularity increased during economic crises and housing shortages
– Decrease due to suburbanization and zoning changes
– Many municipalities reexamining regulations to support secondary suites
– Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation provides financial assistance
Europe:
– Different names and prevalence in German speaking countries, Norway, UK, and Sweden
United States:
– Known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
– Zoning permissions vary widely by state and municipality
– Supported due to housing affordability and care for aging Americans
– California passed lenient ADU laws in 2020
– Several states have enacted legislation to promote ADUs

**Legislation and Regulations**:
– Vancouver Municipal Code allows conversions
– California passed bills easing ADU restrictions
– Vermont and New Hampshire have ADU regulations
– Illinois General Assembly has Bill HB4869
– Seattle and Portland have ADU ordinances

**Future Trends and City-specific Programs**:
– Growing interest in intentional community clusters
– Minneapolis ended single-family zoning
– Portland implemented low-density zoning reforms
– Seattle’s Better Housing by Design project
– Chicago’s ADU ordinance approval
– City-specific programs in Minneapolis, Chicago, Santa Cruz, Lexington, Honolulu, Maui County, and Seattle

Secondary suite (Wikipedia)

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Secondary suites (also known as accessory dwelling units, ADUs, in-law apartments, granny flats, granny annexes or garden suites) are self-contained apartments, cottages, or small residential units, that are located on a property that has a separate main, single-family home, duplex, or other residential unit. In some cases, the ADU or in-law is attached to the principal dwelling or is an entirely separate unit, located above a garage, across a carport, or in the backyard on the same property. Reasons for wanting to add a secondary suite to a property may be to receive additional income, provide social and personal support to a family member, or obtain greater security.