Accessory Dwelling Units _ ADU's

An Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU is a second dwelling unit, subordinate to a principal one-family dwelling. This secondary unit can be within or attached to your current home or in a detached accessory building on the same zoning lot. The unit cannot be bought or sold separately to from the primary house. These units are often used to provide additional accommodations to a family member to live on site.

Considering an ADU

When considering adding a ADU to your home, there are many resources to assist in the planning.  Here are a few tools to assist you as you consider an ADU:

• Family Housing Fund; Home + home: Twin Cities ADU Guidebook.  This guidebook is a tool to help homeowners learn about and build ADU's. The guidebook suggests the following steps in your planning process:
  • Research: Determine what your goals are and how they can be achieved within the City's zoning code
  • Design Ideas: Work on your own with a designer to visualize your ADU ideas to meet your goals
  • Team Selection: Learn about the different types of development teams, what to prepare when contacting a company, and considerations when hiring a company and signing a contract.
  • Finances: Learn about resources to help make an informed decision; learn about potential financing options
  • Permits: Contact the City to learn about the process and requirements to have an ADU.
  • Construction: Learn what to expect during construction and understand your responsibilities 
  • Move In: Secure a rental permit, record the required DEED
• Zoning: Each City adopts individualized zoning ordinances that relate to ADU units. Contact Community Development for information on what is required for City Zoning Code.  A handout has also been created to assist in answering questions.
• Building: Ensure your project works with the Building Department to secure necessary building permits. All ADU's need to meet life, safety and building codes.
• Family Housing Fund: ADU Idea Book for Mid-Centruy Homes.  This book includes architectural designs and sample budgets using real case studies.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Benefits

ADU's can benefit a homeowner by:

• Help Family - create housing for a loved one, or on-site housing caregiver
• Age in Place - downsize without having to move
• Earn Income - generate additional income by renting out the ADU

ADU's can benefit a community by: 

• Expanding Housing Options - as families  age and family structures change more people may be able to blend households
• Aging in Place - as people reach different milestones in life, their housing needs change and an ADU may allow a person to stay in their home and community.
• Multi-generational Housing - Parents of children may identify it is difficult for children to secure affordable housing. ADU's may provide an opportunity for those adult children to live in and contribute to the community while remaining independent. 

ADU's and Rental Housing License 

ADU's in the City of St. Francis are required to obtain a Rental Housing License.  Information and Applications may be found here