Democracy Dies in Darkness

Accessory dwellings offer one solution to the affordable housing problem

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January 7, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. EST
Reggie Tucker, 38, stands with his dog, Jack, outside the building that houses his garden-unit apartment, which is considered an accessory dwelling unit connected to a main dwelling. Chicago is allowing ADUs under a pilot program. (Taylor Glascock for The Washington Post)

With housing prices soaring beyond the reach of low- and middle-income Americans, many cities are moving to create more affordable rentals by significantly expanding dwellings commonly known as garage apartments, in-law suites and granny flats.

The official name for the apartments created from converted space is accessory dwelling units or ADUs.