ADUs in Portland now cheaper to build
Does up to $20,000 in fees to convert your garage into a living space sound steep? In the past, such a thing was not uncommon. Thanks to some hard work from local believers, the City of Portland recently voted unanimously on a resolution to suspend System Development Charges (SDCs) for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Portland. Commissioner Randy Leonard’s blog has more information and a link to the resolution.
One way to think of ADUs is as affordable housing. With a strict urban growth boundary and the resulting scarcity of land, ADUs are a great alternative for Portland. Also known as mother-in-law units, they are an option for adding extra, private living space to a property without buying a new house. And it isn’t just limited to converting garages – you can build an entirely new structure if you’d like, or perhaps convert a basement space into separate living quarters.
The benefits are many:
- Small buildings require comparatively little energy to heat or cool versus McMansions;
- In-fill development keeps housing close to transit lines or within the new 20-minute neighborhoods that Portland’s city planners are embracing;
- Families can assist one another as parents age;
- More open space can be devoted to parks and community spaces.
There are probably some downsides – perhaps a neighbor who doesn’t want to look at your new building? – but it seems a small price to pay. I look forward to seeing more ADUs popping up backyards in the coming years!
