Hello, Gem State neighbors! It’s your friends at True-Blue Construction here in beautiful Idaho. We’ve got some exciting news about a recent change in state law that could open up new possibilities for your property. Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s chat about accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and how they might just transform the way we think about housing in our communities.
What’s an Accessory Dwelling Unit, Anyway?
Before diving into the legal stuff, let’s break down what we’re discussing. An accessory dwelling unit, often called an ADU, is a self-contained living space that’s secondary to the primary residence on a single-family property. An accessory unit dwelling is located on the same lot as the primary residence and can take various forms:
- A basement apartment
- An apartment over a detached garage
- A standalone small dwelling in the backyard (sometimes called a “granny flat” or “backyard cottage”)
- A converted portion of the single family home with a separate entrance
Essentially, it’s a way to add a second, smaller home to your existing property. Pretty neat, right?
Idaho Accessory Dwelling Unit Law: Opening Doors (Literally!)
Now, let’s talk about House Bill 166, which the Idaho Legislature recently passed (2023). This bill is a game-changer for ADUs in our state. Here’s what you need to know:
- No More Blanket Bans: Cities and counties can’t outright prohibit ADUs in residential areas anymore. This means more opportunities for homeowners across Idaho!
- Homeowners Associations Can’t Block You: HOAs cannot create or enforce rules that generally ban ADUs on detached, owner-occupied properties.
- New Covenants Can’t Restrict ADUs: As of July 1, 2023, no new restrictive covenants can be created to prohibit ADUs on owner-occupied homesteads.
- Reasonable Regulations Still Apply: Local governments can still implement sensible rules to ensure public health, safety, and welfare.
Why This Matters for Idaho Homeowners
This new law could have a big impact on our communities. Here’s why you might want to consider adding an ADU to your property:
Rental Income Potential
Property owners can benefit from renting out an ADU as it can provide a steady stream of rental income. This could help offset your mortgage or provide extra cash for home improvements. Additionally, while constructing an ADU may increase property taxes, it also offers potential economic benefits to the community through the taxes generated from the property.
Housing for Family Members
ADUs are perfect for multigenerational households, as they can house family members comfortably. You could create a living space for aging parents or adult children saving up for their own home.
Increased Property Value
Adding an ADU can potentially increase your property’s value and make it more attractive to future buyers.
Addressing Housing Shortages
By increasing our housing stock, ADUs can help address affordable housing issues in our communities. Additionally, ADUs can meet local housing needs and alleviate rental housing shortages by providing flexible dwelling options and addressing the demand in urban areas.
Types of ADUs: Finding the Right Fit
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to ADUs. Let’s look at some common types:
| ADU Type | Description | Potential Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Internal ADUs | Converted space within the main house | Often easier to permit, less expensive |
| Attached ADUs | Addition to the existing home | Can share utilities with main house |
| Detached ADUs | Separate structure on the property, located on the same grounds as the primary residence | More privacy, potential for larger unit |
Additionally, tiny houses are gaining popularity as an alternative form of ADU, offering compact living solutions and aligning with modern housing trends.
Financing Your ADU: Options to Consider
Adding an ADU is an investment, but there are several financing options to explore:
- Home equity loans or lines of credit
- Cash-out refinancing
- Renovation loans: A renovation loan can be a viable option for financing the construction or installation of an ADU. It allows borrowers to purchase or refinance a property while adding an ADU, which can enhance property value and generate rental income.
- Construction loans
Remember, it’s always best to consult with a financial advisor to determine the best option for your situation.
Navigating the Process: From Idea to Move-In Day
If you’re thinking about adding an ADU to your property, here’s a general roadmap:
- Check Local Regulations: While the new law prevents outright bans, your city or county may have specific requirements.
- Design Your ADU: Consider hiring an architect or designer to help create plans that maximize your space and comply with local codes.
- Obtain Permits: You’ll need to secure necessary building permits before starting construction.
- Choose a Contractor: This is where we at True-Blue Construction come in! We’d be happy to help bring your ADU vision to life.
- Build and Inspect: Once construction is complete, you’ll need final inspections before your ADU is ready for occupancy.
Common Questions About ADUs
We know you probably have a ton of questions about ADUs. Here are answers to some of the most common ones:
Q: Can I sell my ADU separately from my main house? A: Generally, no. ADUs are considered part of the primary property and can’t be sold separately.
Q: Do I need to live on the property if I have an ADU? A: This depends on local regulations. Some areas may require owner occupancy in either the main house or the ADU.
Q: Can I use my ADU for short-term rentals? A: Again, this depends on local rules. Some areas restrict ADUs to long-term rentals only.
Q: How much living space can an ADU have? A: This varies by location, but many jurisdictions limit ADUs to a percentage of the main home’s size or a maximum square footage.
The Bigger Picture: ADUs and Our Communities
ADUs aren’t just about individual properties – they can have a positive impact on our neighborhoods and cities:
- Gentle Density: ADUs add housing units without dramatically changing the character of single-family neighborhoods.
- Diverse Housing Options: They provide more choices for renters and can help create more inclusive communities.
- Environmental Benefits: By utilizing existing infrastructure and promoting infill development, ADUs can be a more sustainable housing solution.
Recent legislative changes in single family zoning districts now allow ADUs to be constructed by right, aiming to address housing affordability and potentially alleviate issues of homelessness.
Ready to Explore ADUs? We’re Here to Help!
At True-Blue Construction, we’re excited about the possibilities this new law opens up for Idaho homeowners. Whether you’re looking to create space for family members, generate rental income, or simply increase your property value, an ADU could be a great solution.
We’d love to chat with you about your ADU ideas and help you navigate the process from concept to completion. Our team has the expertise to ensure your project complies with all local regulations while maximizing the potential of your property.
Remember, every property is unique, and what works for one homeowner might not be the best solution for another. But with the right planning and execution, an ADU can be a valuable addition to your home and our community.
Have questions or ready to get started? Give us a call! We’re always happy to talk shop and help our neighbors make the most of their homes. Here’s to building a brighter, more flexible future for housing in Idaho!