ADU Resources

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS

AIA Pasadena & Foothill, AIA San Diego, AIA Central Valley along with AIA California have created a dedicated ADU Resources website: Plus1House

California is in the midst of a severe housing crisis. There is lack of affordable housing and not enough space in major cities to build new construction. One solution might be to build more Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as "granny flats."

The California Department of Housing and Community states, “Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are known by many names: granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, secondary units and more. No matter what you call them, ADUs are an innovative, affordable, effective option for adding much-needed housing in California.”

In an effort to bolster public awareness about ADUs, AIAPF hosted the one-day "Public Forum: The Accessory Dwelling Unit. Architects creating blueprints for better communities and the affordable housing challenge," on November 10, 2018 at Parsons Corporation.

The event garnered good public attention and was critical in beginning discussion about ADUs in communities. The free public program featured a panel of experts and provided the what's and how's of ADUs. General public and homeowners participated in the one-day forum to learn about ADUs and what architects do on a daily basis to improve our communities and the places in which we live. This was an exciting opportunity for everyone to learn about how architects add value to everyday with their unique technical and artistic skills.

Discussion about ADUs and architecture is important. Below are resources from our Forum to help you continue the conversation in your city or home:

• Event VIDEO
  
• City of Pasadena / William Huang presentation
• City of Pasadena ADU Ordinance
  
• Accessory Spaces presentation
• Habit 4 Humanity presentation
  
• AIAPF Press Release
  
• Pasadena Now coverage