What is an ADU?
Accessory Dwelling Unit
An ADU is an Accessory Dwelling Unit, but what exactly does that mean?
“Accessory” means it is in support of the main home on the lot.
“Dwelling Unit” is a space that has everything needed for long-term shelter. This means a minimum of sleeping space, kitchen, and bathroom. It must also have its own entry.
The Front Door
Every ADU must have a separate entry from the main house. It cannot share a front door with the main house.
The location of this entry has many implications and affects not only how the ADU is seen from the street, but also how the house is percieved. It creates identiy for the ADU and sets the stage for privacy between the ADU and main house. It may also affect area calculations for permitting.
The Kitchen
The kitchen has many parts including a sink, refrigerator, oven, and maybe dishwasher, but the oven is often the most critical when identifying a space as “kitchen”.
You may have a house with a guest area complete with bathroom, sleeping area, and maybe even a living area and kitchenette or wet bar. According to most jurisdictions, this cannot have an oven unless it is converted to a separate apartment, or “dwelling unit”.
The Bathroom
The bathroom must have everything needed for daily life. This includes a toilet, sink, and shower or bathtub. A powder room is not enough.
The intended use of the ADU is very important when designing your bathroom. If the ADU needs to support older adults, then it should be designed with accessiblity in mind. This includes grab bars, and space for a wheelchair. If the ADU will have small children in it, then a shower only is probably not going to be sufficient.
