Often known as in-law suites or granny flats, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are receiving a big push from New Jersey lawmakers as one way to address the state’s housing shortage. ADUs can be added to existing homes or built as separate structures on the same lot, and have been embraced in towns like Princeton, Montclair, and Maplewood. As Zoe Baldwin from the Regional Plan Association explains, ADUs offer a “gentle density” approach that gradually increases housing without overwhelming local character or infrastructure. With a statewide affordable housing shortage of 250,000 units, these strategies will provide more affordable rental options and help homeowners generate additional income.
To learn more about ADUs, see our articles:
Gentle Density: Tactics for Small-Scale TOD
Smaller Housing Adds Affordable, Livable Options near Transit