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

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.

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.

From April 2022
"Thinking Outside the Four Walls: Age-Friendly Housing Ideas for How and Where You Want to Live" drew an enthusiastic live audience. Keynote speaker Danielle Arigoni from AARP Livable Communities and a local expert panel discuss your options for aging in community in ways you choose. Catherine Taylor hosts. Watch the recording.

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 Get 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