Adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to your property can increase its value, generate rental income, and provide additional living space. However, ADU laws vary by state, and some places have stricter zoning and permitting requirements than others.
If you’re wondering whether you can build an ADU on your property, this guide breaks down some of the basic regulations for all 50 states.
What Is an ADU?
By definition, an ADU is a secondary housing unit on a single-family or multi-family lot. ADUs come in different forms, including attached or detached ADUs, above-garage units, garage conversions, in-law suites, home additions, and tiny homes. Some states fully embrace ADUs, while others impose restrictions that limit their construction or use as rental properties outside of your primary dwelling.
Which States Allow ADUs?
Alabama
| State Name | Alabama |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ❌ Not ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | No |
| Attached ADUs | No |
| Above-Garage ADUs | No |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | No |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted (varies by county) |
| Notes | Alabama has strict zoning laws that largely prohibit detached ADUs. In-law suites and home additions are allowed in most areas. No statewide building code in Alabama – subject to local restrictions Local zoning laws can made it difficult for Alabama residents to build ADUs |
Alaska
| State Name | Alaska |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ✅ Very ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Yes |
| Notes | Alaska is ADU-friendly, particularly in Anchorage, where zoning laws encourage ADU development to increase housing availability. |
Arizona
| State Name | Arizona |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ✅ Very ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Yes |
| Notes | Arizona has some of the most progressive ADU laws, with Phoenix and Tucson offering flexible zoning rules to encourage development. |
Arkansas
| State Name | Arkansas |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ❌ Not ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | No |
| Attached ADUs | No |
| Above-Garage ADUs | No |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Restricted |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | Most cities in Arkansas prohibit ADUs, though in-law suites and home additions are widely accepted. Strict sizing guidelines in ArkansasADUs can’t be larger than 50% of the primary residence (no more than ~1,200 square feet in total) Ceiling height capped at 20 ft ADU materials/color/windows/doors must be compatible with the primary residence. Limited to 2 active residents per ADU |
California
| State Name | California |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ✅ Very ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Yes |
| Notes | California has some of the most ADU-friendly laws in the country. Cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco encourage ADU development to combat housing shortages. |
Colorado
| State Name | Colorado |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ✅ Very ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Yes |
| Notes | Many cities, including Denver, allow ADUs, though specific zoning rules vary by county. |
Connecticut
| State Name | Connecticut |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ✅ Very ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | Connecticut recently passed legislation making ADU approvals easier in most municipalities. |
Delaware
| State Name | Delaware |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Restricted |
| Attached ADUs | Restricted |
| Above-Garage ADUs | No |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Restricted |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | Delaware has restrictive ADU regulations, with most local governments requiring special permits. |
Florida
| State Name | Florida |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ✅ Very ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Yes |
| Notes | Florida supports ADUs as a way to address housing shortages, with Miami and Orlando leading in ADU-friendly zoning. |
Georgia
| State Name | Georgia |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Restricted |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | Georgia allows ADUs in some urban areas, though regulations vary widely by county and city. |
Hawaii
| State Name | Hawaii |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ✅ Very ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | Hawaii supports ADUs in an effort to combat housing shortages, particularly on Oahu. However, some rural areas restrict them. |
Idaho
| State Name | Idaho |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Yes |
| Notes | Idaho is relatively ADU-friendly, with major cities like Boise encouraging their development. However, ADUs are subject to strict building parameters. Strict dimensional requirements (ADUs can’t be any larger than 900 square feet) Restricted to 2 bedrooms (max) Only one ADU per lot |
Illinois
| State Name | Illinois |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Restricted |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Restricted |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Restricted |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | ADU policies vary by municipality, with Chicago allowing more flexibility than rural areas. |
Indiana
| State Name | Indiana |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Restricted |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | No |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | No |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | Indiana generally has stricter zoning for ADUs, though some cities have begun allowing them in residential areas. |
Iowa
| State Name | Iowa |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ❌ Not ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | No |
| Attached ADUs | Restricted |
| Above-Garage ADUs | No |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | No |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | Iowa does not widely permit ADUs, but there is growing discussion about relaxing restrictions. ADUs must be secondary to the main residence. Must be smaller than 50% of the main residence’s floor area (usually no more than 650 square feet). ADUs can’t be constructed in the front yard – backyard only. An ADU’s appearance will need to match the appearance of the primary residence. |
Kansas
| State Name | Kansas |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ❌ Not ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | No |
| Attached ADUs | Restricted |
| Above-Garage ADUs | No |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Restricted |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | Kansas has strict zoning laws, with some cities allowing attached ADUs under special permits. ADUs must have a separate address. ADUs must have a separate entrance. ADUs must have separate utilities. Strict size restrictions are in place. (ADUs shouldn’t exceed 75% of the lot coverage and shouldn’t be more than 50% of the primary residence’s floor area – roughly no more than 1,000 square feet) |
Kentucky
| State Name | Kentucky |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ❌ Not ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | No |
| Attached ADUs | Restricted |
| Above-Garage ADUs | No |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | No |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | Most municipalities in Kentucky restrict ADUs, but in-law suites and home additions are widely accepted. Strict size limitations are in place. ADUs should equate to no more than 30% of the primary residence’s size (roughly no more than 800 square feet) The property owner must live in the primary dwelling (on the same lot) or the ADU itself. ADU rentals are restricted New construction is not permitted in areas with environmental constraints. |
Louisiana
| State Name | Louisana |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | While New Orleans has relaxed ADU rules, other areas still have firm restrictions in place. Only one ADU is permitted per single-family lot. ADUs are not permitted on lots smaller than 5,000 square feet. ADU should not overshadow the primary residence. |
Maine
| State Name | Maine |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ✅ Very ADU Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Yes |
| Notes | Maine has passed statewide legislation to promote ADUs in response to housing shortages. |
Maryland
| State Name | Maryland |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | Some counties, such as Montgomery County, have adopted ADU-friendly policies. |
Massachusetts
| State Name | Massachusetts |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ✅ Very ADU Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Yes |
| Notes | Boston and surrounding cities allow ADUs, with zoning variances required in some areas. |
Michigan
| State Name | Michigan |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Restricted |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | ADU laws vary by city, with Ann Arbor being one of the most ADU-friendly areas. |
Minnesota
| State Name | Minnesota |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | Minneapolis has led the state in its ADU legalization efforts. |
Mississippi
| State Name | Mississippi |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ❌ Not ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | No |
| Attached ADUs | No |
| Above-Garage ADUs | No |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Restricted |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | Mississippi has very restrictive ADU laws, with only a few cities granting exceptions. Strict zoning laws are in place that vary by city/county Only one ADU is permitted per lot ADUs must have off-set parking available ADUs must be smaller than the primary residence ADUs must have separate entrances |
Missouri
| State Name | Missouri |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Restricted |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | No |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | St. Louis and Kansas City allow ADUs under certain conditions, but statewide laws remain inconsistent. |
Montana
| State Name | Montana |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ✅ Very ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Yes |
| Notes | Overall, Montana is considered ADU-friendly, particularly in cities like Bozeman and Missoula. |
Nebraska
| State Name | Nebraska |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ❌ Not ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | No |
| Attached ADUs | Restricted |
| Above-Garage ADUs | No |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | No |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | ADUs face significant zoning restrictions across Nebraska, though Omaha has begun considering reforms. |
Nevada
| State Name | Nevada |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Yes |
| Notes | Las Vegas and Reno allow ADUs, though rural areas have more restrictions. |
New Hampshire
| State Name | New Hampshire |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ✅ Very ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Yes |
| Notes | New Hampshire has some of the most ADU-friendly laws in New England. |
New Jersey
| State Name | New Jersey |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Restricted |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Restricted |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Restricted |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | New Jersey restricts ADUs in most suburbs, though some cities allow them with special permits. |
New Mexico
| State Name | New Mexico |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ✅ Very ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Yes |
| Notes | Albuquerque and Santa Fe encourage ADU construction to combat housing shortages. |
New York
| State Name | New York |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Restricted |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Restricted |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Restricted |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | New York City has very strict ADU regulations in place, but upstate areas offer more flexibility. |
North Carolina
| State Name | North Carolina |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | Raleigh and Charlotte support ADUs, though smaller towns have more restrictions. |
North Dakota
| State Name | North Dakota |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ❌ Not ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | No |
| Attached ADUs | No |
| Above-Garage ADUs | No |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | No |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | North Dakota has very restrictive ADU policies. Size restrictions are in place. ADUs must be no more than 40% of the primary residence’s main living space (no more than 800 square feet, roughly) Detached ADUs must be between 300-800 square feet On lots of 5+ acres, ADUs can be up to 1,200 square feet ADU can’t be built in a front yard Must be at least 10 feet from the primary residence |
Ohio
| State Name | Ohio |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Restricted |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | No |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | No |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | ADU policies vary widely, with Columbus and Cleveland allowing more flexibility. |
Oklahoma
| State Name | Oklahoma |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ❌ Not ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | No |
| Attached ADUs | Restricted |
| Above-Garage ADUs | No |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | No |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | ADUs are largely restricted in Oklahoma–although Tulsa has begun reviewing its policies. Often there are local size restrictions in place ADUs may require off-street parking (depending on size) Must be accessible to emergency service vehicles ADU owner must live in the primary dwelling next to the ADU |
Oregon
| State Name | Oregon |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ✅ Very ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Yes |
| Notes | Oregon is one of the most ADU-friendly states, with Portland leading the state in ADU adoption. |
Pennsylvania
| State Name | Pennsylvania |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Restricted |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Restricted |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Restricted |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | Pennsylvania’s ADU laws vary by municipality. Philadelphia allows ADUs in certain zones, while suburban areas impose restrictions. |
Rhode Island
| State Name | Rhode Island |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | Rhode Island has eased ADU restrictions in recent years, mainly to accommodate multi-generational housing. |
South Carolina
| State Name | South Carolina |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Restricted |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | No |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Restricted |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | ADUs are permitted in some cities like Charleston, but strict zoning laws limit development in many suburban and rural areas. |
South Dakota
| State Name | South Dakota |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ❌ Not ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | No |
| Attached ADUs | Restricted |
| Above-Garage ADUs | No |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | No |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | ADU regulations are restrictive, with only a few cities allowing limited forms of ADUs. Only one ADU is permitted per property. Size restrictions are in place. ADUs should be no more than 40% of the property’s gross area. ADUs also can’t be taller than 16 ft. Residents are not permitted to build ADUs in front of a lot. ADUs require at least one off-street parking space. The appearance of the ADU should be compatible with the appearance of the primary dwelling. Permits are required for all ADUs ADUs must be registered with the city |
Tennessee
| State Name | Tennessee |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Yes |
| Notes | Nashville and Knoxville have ADU-friendly policies, but some rural counties restrict development. |
Texas
| State Name | Texas |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Yes |
| Notes | Texas has many ADU-friendly cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas, though suburban areas may have stricter regulations |
Utah
| State Name | Utah |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ✅ Very ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Yes |
| Notes | Utah has been promoting ADUs to address housing shortages, with Salt Lake City leading the way. |
Vermont
| State name | Vermont |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ✅ Very ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Yes |
| Notes | Vermont has passed legislation making it easier for homeowners to build ADUs. |
.
Virginia
| State Name | Virginia |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | Northern Virginia is more ADU-friendly, while rural counties may have more restrictions. |
Washington
| State Name | Washington |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ✅ Very ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Yes |
| Notes | Washington is one of the most ADU-friendly states, with Seattle implementing policies to encourage ADU development. |
West Virginia
| State Name | West Virginia |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ❌ Not ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | No |
| Attached ADUs | Restricted |
| Above-Garage ADUs | No |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | No |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | ADUs are largely restricted in West Virginia, though in-law suites are generally allowed. |
Wisconsin
| State Name | Wisconsin |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ⚠ Somewhat ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Yes |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Yes |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | Yes |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | Madison and Milwaukee have adopted ADU-friendly policies, while suburban areas have stricter zoning. |
Wyoming
| State Name | Wyoming |
| ADU Friendliness Rating | ❌ Not ADU-Friendly |
| Detached ADUs | Restricted |
| Attached ADUs | Yes |
| Above-Garage ADUs | Restricted |
| Garage Conversion ADUs | No |
| In-Law Suites | Yes |
| Home Additions | Yes |
| Tiny Homes | Restricted |
| Notes | ADUs face significant zoning restrictions across Wyoming, but some cities are considering reforms. Size restrictions are in place, and they will vary by city/county. ADUs must be architecturally compatible with the main dwelling. ADUs must have a separate entrance. |
Alternative to ADU
An ADU can add serious value to your single-family residence, especially if you rent out the ADU as a source of passive income. However, if you’re looking to skip navigating building codes and other downsides that come with developing ADUs, you can consider other income opportunities – like self-storage.
With a peer-to-peer self-storage service like Neighbor, you can use that extra land on your property to provide renters with space to store their belongings – like RV, boat, or car. Once you list your space, Neighbor will match you with qualified renters so you can collect consistent monthly revenue quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Is One Drawback of an ADU?
If you’re planning an ADU project, one of the main drawbacks is the upfront cost. Constructing an ADU can be expensive, with costs ranging from $50,000 to over $200,000, depending on size, location, and amenities. Additionally, navigating zoning laws for a single-family residence and obtaining permits can be time-consuming and complicated in some areas.
What Qualifies as an ADU?
An ADU is a self-contained housing unit located on the same lot as a primary residence. To qualify as an ADU, it typically must include a separate entrance, a living space, a kitchen or kitchenette, and a bathroom. ADUs can be detached, attached, built over a garage, converted from an existing space, or added as an in-law suite within a home.
Is It Cheaper to Build an ADU or Add an Addition?
Building an ADU is often more expensive than adding an interior addition, but it can provide greater long-term value. An addition expands the existing living space without creating a separate unit, which may require fewer permits and cost less per square foot. However, an ADU can generate rental income, which may offset the higher initial cost over time.
How Should I Finance My ADU?
There are several options for financing an ADU, including:
- Home Equity Loan or HELOC – Borrowing against your home’s equity can provide funding at relatively low interest rates.
- Cash-Out Refinance – Refinancing your mortgage to access equity can be a good option if interest rates are favorable.
- Construction Loan – Some banks offer loans specifically for building ADUs.
- Personal Savings – Using savings avoids debt but may not be feasible for all homeowners.
- Government Grants and Programs – Some states and cities offer incentives, grants, or low-interest loans for ADU construction to increase the housing supply.
