Rhode Island's ABCs of ADUs

"Providing single-lot homeowners across the state with the opportunity to create an ADU on their property is a step in the right direction to increase affordable housing options and availability."
Catherine Taylor, AARP State Director

AARP Rhode Island fought successfully for legislation passed by the General Assembly, making it easier to add an ADU. Find out what options may fit you plans for downsizing by watching the recording of our October 11, 2024 ADU Design Webinar. Watch.

Importantly, the new legislation provides the provision that allows Rhode Islanders across the state to add ADUs "By Right."

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ADU? According to Rhode Island law an ADU is a residential living unit on the same lot where the principal use is a legally established single-family dwelling unit or multi family dwelling unit.

An ADU provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons. It may take various forms including, but not limited to: a detached unit; a unit that is part of an accessory structure, such as a detached garage; or a unit that is part of an expanded or remodeled primary dwelling.

Who can live in an ADU? Anyone. There are no restrictions on who can reside in an ADU. It does not have to be a family member.

What does "By Right" mean? In Rhode Island, it refers to a use that is specifically permitted in a particular zoning district

Does the owner of the property need to live in the ADU or the main house No, there are no owner occupancy requirements for ADUs.

What specifics around size and setbacks are in the law?

• A one bedroom ADU can be up to 900 sq ft or 60% of the main dwelling square footage, whichever is less.
• A two bedroom ADU can be up to 1,200 sq ft or 60% of the main dwelling square footage, whichever is less.
• Municipalities can allow larger ADUs but they can’t set a maximum size that is less than these.
• Municipalities are not allowed to Impose dimensional requirements or other development standards on ADUs that in any instance exceed the requirements for an accessory structure in the same zoning district.
• ADUs are subject to all setbacks as any other accessory structure.

Can local zoning authorities overide statewide provisions? State law supersedes local authority.

Does the law require off-street parking for the ADU resident(s)? One off street parking spot per bedroom is required for ADUs.

Can an ADU become a short-term rental after the parents I built it for are no longer occupying it? No, ADUs shall not be offered or rented for tourist or transient use or through a hosting platform at any time. Transient use is defined by less than 30 days.

For information specific to where you plan to add an ADU, contact your municipal planning department. Find local contact information here.

An outstanding article, What's New with ADUs?, is featured on the Providence Preservation web site.

Thinking of downsizing? Hoping to be near family, caregivers and community as you grow older? Accessory Dwellings Units (ADUs) are an underutilized and affordable housing option.

Get expert answers to your questions: what they are, what’s involved in adding one, design concepts, the permitting process and more. Watch our ABCs of ADUs webinar.

The ABCs of ADUs
By Catherine Taylor, AARP Rhode Island State Director

They are commonly known as “in-law apartments” or “granny flats.” These downsized housing options, which became popular in the years following World War II, have made a comeback in recent years. Technically, and at your local zoning office, they are known as Accessory Dwelling Units – ADUs, for short.

No matter what you call them, they are urgently needed by aging Rhode Islanders and demand is certain to grow. In fact, I might be talking about your future home. Click the image below for a short tutorial.

Largely speaking, people prefer to remain in familiar communities where they have lived comfortably. But their homes, especially older homes, were designed without mobility considerations.

Many have multiple levels, and many built up from street level. Or they’re just too big, with too many steps and requiring exhausting upkeep of space no longer needed.

Too often, smaller homes or apartments that might better serve your needs can’t be found in your community or are simply beyond your means. ADUs can fill that gap.

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ADUs come in many forms you may one day consider, including a detached backyard cottage, an attached addition to an existing home with its own entrance and kitchen, as well as interior units added to a basement, the attic over a garage, or a renovated attached or detached garage converted into an apartment.

You may weigh other options. You can rent your existing home to a grown child and his or her family, and then move into an ADU on the property. An ADU can be living quarters for a live-in caregiver you may need. You may even be able to rent the ADU to anyone as a source of retirement income.

The shortage of affordable, accessible, right-sized housing is a critical issue in the state that has been declared a looming crisis.

The truth is it’s a crisis now for too many older Rhode Islanders who wish to age in place. Maybe it is a crisis for you.

Maybe an ADU is in your future.

ADU Design at the State House

AARP Rhode Island teamed up with students from the Rhode Island School of Design for an ADU design competition. On January 25th, we shared the results at the State House with a large crowd that included state lawmakers, housing advocates and AARP Rhode Island Advocacy Volunteers. Complete details, including a look at the winning design conceptes can be found here.

RESOURCES

GET THE GUIDE

A Step by Step Guide to Design and Development  features ADU policies and projects from Austin, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Oakland, California; and Washington, D.C., this 113-page Accessory Dwelling Units design catalog contains information about financing and budgeting for an ADU project as well as visuals that show how ADUs can be easily designed to serve people of differing ages and abilities. 

• Download the PDF
• Use our Online Order Form or
• To order multiple copies, email Fulfillment@AARP.org with your Name, Mailing Address and the publication number D20480

THE BIG PICTURE

Livable Lesson Videos: Eli Spevak on Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Dwelling Units: An Animated Tour
ADU Initiatives Throughout the Nation
ADUs and the AARP Community Challenge
ADUs and Family Housing Needs
ADUs Allow Homeowners to Choose Where They Live
Backyard Dwellings Got a Pandemic Push
Two Houses in One: A Home Within a Home


STATE-SPECIFIC AARP ARTICLES AND GUIDES

Illinois (Chicago): Make Room for Family
Kentucky (Lexington): Homeowner's Guide to Accessory Dwelling Units
New Hampshire: The State Says Yes to ADUs


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

AARP Future of Housing
AccessoryDwellings.org
American Planning Association: Knowledge Base About Accessory Dwelling Units
BuildingAnADU.com