ADUs: AARP Makes A Big Push for Small Homes

AARP Delaware plans to make the expanded use of accessory dwelling units a key statewide priority in 2024, following a win on the issue in Kent County last fall.

Support for ADUs—such as in-law suites, garage apartments and backyard cottages—is part of AARP’s larger strategy to boost affordable and accessible housing options. ADUs can be a particularly good choice for older adults who want to age in place, remain in their communities and live independently.

“They allow families to take care of one another, provide affordable housing for workers and smaller families, and do it without using more land,” says AARP Delaware Advocacy Director Sheila Grant.

In Kent County, the Levy Court passed a new ordinance in September expanding ADUs to all residential zones and removing a requirement to notify adjacent property owners who could then oppose the permit. AARP testified in support of the ordinance.

All three counties in Delaware and four of the state’s cities allow ADUs, but some include significant restrictions that limit their adoption, according to an AARP code audit.

Moving forward, AARP plans to work with leaders and planners in key cities that don’t allow ADUs, as well as with communities that limit ADUs and could benefit from incremental updates. New Castle County, for example, caps the number of building permits issued for ADUs at 0.4 percent of the total number of single-family detached homes in the county.

“Delaware has a serious shortage of affordable housing,” Grant says. “ADUs aren’t a complete solution, but they can be one way to ease the shortage.”

For more on AARP Delaware’s work, go to aarp.org/DE. Visit aarp.org/ADU for more on ADUs.

—Sarah Hollander