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Cedar Rapids ADUs
As small houses or apartments that exist on the same property lot as a single-family residence, Accessory Dwelling Units — or ADUs — play a major role in serving a national housing need. This home type is emerging as an affordable and flexible housing option that meets the needs of older adults and young families alike.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a fully self-contained home with its own kitchen, bathroom(s) and sleeping area on the same lot as the main house. ADUs are commonly known by many other names, including granny flats, in-law units, alley flats, coach houses, and casitas. They’re a great match for smaller households and can be created through basement or garage conversions, additions, or new construction of back yard ‘tiny homes.’ Cedar Rapids allows them in residential zones and requires that they fit in well with the surrounding neighborhood.
The many benefits of ADUs:
ADUs are flexible, adaptable and can benefit Cedar Rapids residents in multiple ways.
Across the U.S. and in Canada, ADUs are taking off as a popular new/old housing type. Some reasons for this emerging trend include:
- Income stream and property value. ADUs could generate cash flow and may increase the resale value of the property. Where allowed, ADUs may make good short-term rentals since the homeowner must live on-site.
- Match housing needs at any age. ADUs could offer empty nesters and seniors the chance to “age in place” in the community they know and love, multi-generational families a way to live close by but not share a kitchen, and individuals and couples an entry-level housing choice.
- Affordable housing. ADUs help keep housing costs down for both owners and renters. They could generate rental income to help homeowners cover mortgage payments, and may allow them to stay in their homes. Since ADUs are required to be small relative to primary dwellings, they are typically more affordable than other homes in the same neighborhood.
- Versatility. Needs change over time, and the uses of ADUs can (and often do) flex for different stages of life. Although they typically provide long-term housing, ADUs can also serve as home offices, caregiver or nanny housing, art studios, short-term rentals, and lodging for visiting friends or relatives.
Visit this City of Cedar Rapids website to learn more about the requirements and process for pursuing an ADU in Cedar Rapids.
