Accessory Dwelling Units Encouraged in Tahoe
January 1, 2025 | Member Submitted
Originally published in TRPA Housing Newsletter
Commonly referred to as mother-in-law or granny units, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are smaller homes that share the same lot of a primary residence. Examples include a detached guesthouse or a garage with a rented apartment above. ADUs are one solution to increasing the supply of workforce and affordable housing here and across the nation.
ADUs have many benefits:
- They are built on land that is already owned, making them a more affordable option than developing a vacant parcel.
- They provide an income source to homeowners.
- They are generally less costly to construct than new multifamily projects.
- They provide a flexible living option for individuals, family members, couples, or seniors.
- They are typically funded by the homeowner and do not require public subsidies like many large affordable housing projects.
Recognizing these benefits, TRPA adopted new polices in 2021 that allowed accessory dwelling units for local workers on thousands more parcels in the Tahoe Basin. While there are still challenges to building an ADU, momentum is building. Since 2021, TRPA has permitted 57 total units, 12 of which are constructed to date.
Learn more about the process to build an ADU and sign up for our Housing eNews.