See what NYC’s new backyard apartments could look like
All renderings courtesy of NYC’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development
New York City could gain roughly 25,000 basement, attic, and backyard apartments, also known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs), over the next 15 years under rezoning rules approved in 2024. The city on Wednesday released a series of new tools to help New Yorkers navigate the process, including a library of pre-approved ADU designs that are compliant with city code. The library currently has designs for backyard cottages, but more will be added once approved by the Department of Buildings.
The City of Yes for Housing Opportunity loosened rules around building ADUs in order to create more housing in more neighborhoods across the city, while also allowing New Yorkers to age in place or make extra income.
The new “ADU for You” toolkit is an online platform with resources for homeowners to “understand, plan, and build ADUs.” On the website, homeowners can search their address to find if their lots are eligible for ADUs, figure out budgeting, and browse and select pre-approved designs.
The library offers a collection of ADU designs reviewed for general code and zoning compliance. The current designs are for studio to two-bedroom backyard cottages, both detached and attached to the main property.
Homeowners who select a pre-approved design will be connected directly with the creator, simplifying the permit approval process. The library includes designs for ADUs ranging in size from 280 square feet to 785 square feet.
“By making it easier to navigate rules and offering pre-approved designs, this new homeowner toolkit will help New Yorkers turn the idea of an accessory dwelling unit into a reality,” Sideya Sherman, director of the Department of City Planning, said.
“Building on City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, this is another smart step to unlock housing, allow working families to earn additional income, and help seniors afford to age in place.”
As part of the new zoning changes, former Mayor Eric Adams in November 2023 launched the Plus One ADU program, which provided up to $395,000 in financing for 15 owners of single-family homes. The state later set aside $4 million for the program, assisting an additional 20 owners. The program attracted over 1,300 submissions within two weeks, but has been closed to new applicants since February 2024, according to City Hall.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday announced the city will accept applications again for the Plus One ADU funding program through June 12. Homeowners earning up to 165 percent of the area median income (AMI) may be eligible, with priority given to those earning up to 100 percent AMI. More details can be found here.
“One of the solutions to the housing crisis can be found in our backyards, our attics, or our basements – in an Ancillary Dwelling Unit. That’s why our administration is making it easier and more affordable to build an ADU through a library of pre-approved plans and new financing options,” Mamdani said in a press release.
“By making it easier for New Yorkers to turn their homes into an extra place for a loved one or a little more income, we’re allowing our city to grow while keeping the character of the neighborhoods we love.”
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