{"id":665463,"date":"2026-03-18T22:53:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T22:53:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/665463\/"},"modified":"2026-03-18T22:53:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T22:53:21","slug":"the-citys-preapproved-adu-designs-are-kind-of-nice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/665463\/","title":{"rendered":"The City\u2019s Preapproved ADU Designs Are Kind of Nice!"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

\n Studio ADU NYC
\n Photo: Department of Housing Preservation & Development\n <\/p>\n

If you are looking to build a backyard studio to stash your in-laws, the city has finally released a series of preapproved designs<\/a> to help you speed up the\u00a0process. The project is part of former mayor Eric Adams\u2019s City of Yes, which legalized ancillary dwelling units. The city opened applications<\/a> to build them last fall. These ADUs, which range from stand-alone one-bedrooms to a studio dropped on top of a garage, have already been reviewed for code and zoning compliance. If your property qualifies for an ADU, once you pick a plan, the city will connect you with the designer who created it to help get it approved for your specific site.<\/p>\n

So what could your future ADU look like? There\u2019s VL Architects\u2019 444-square-foot detached studio that \u201cfits most NYC residential lots\u201d and looks the most like a classic tiny house, complete with solar panels on the roof. Or Unit Two Development\u2019s one-bed that is a bit larger \u2014 600 square feet\u00a0\u2014 and comes with sliding glass doors.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n CDA One-Bedroom
\n Photo: Department of Housing Preservation & Development\n <\/p>\n

A little bit more creative is architects Anna Morrison and Leonardo Leiva Rivera\u2019s one-bedroom design that attaches directly to the back of a townhouse. It not only creates a fully separate unit, the roof becomes a deck for the townhouse itself without having to build an entryway \u2014\u00a0it\u2019s accessible through a second-story window. Clever.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Roof for Two
\n Photo: Department of Housing Preservation & Development\n <\/p>\n

If you already have a garage, there are multiple designs that help you build on top of it. Reform Architecture\u2019s rendering is a bit dull (no offense), but it comes with huge windows and a deck. Far Architecture\u2019s is similar, but the porch is covered and comes in an all-black Scandinavian color. (Your tenants just have to be okay with the garage door rumbling every time you come home.)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n Far Nordic ADU
\n Photo: Department of Housing Preservation & Development\n <\/p>\n

If none of these designs appeal to you, not to worry. There will be more added to the city\u2019s library as they get approved over time. It\u2019s a great day for people who own homes in New York City and also have room to spare in their yards.<\/p>\n

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