Manufactured Home ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) Ease A Growing Shortage Of Affordable Housing
What Is An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)?
An “ADU” (Accessory Dwelling Unit), commonly referred to as a “granny flat,” “mother-in-law home,” or “second home,” is often used to refer to the development of two detached homes on one allotment of land.
Heretofore, ADUs have been manufactured homes utilized almost exclusively in rural areas to accommodate multi-generation families. These families share their homestead property with relatives, friends, or other adults.
Modern manufactured home builders create homes that offer excellent affordability, quality construction, flexibility of design and features, and easy transition from delivery to occupancy. Due to these advantages, manufactured homes have become the preferred choice for dual occupancy on a shared lot.
Manufactured homes are ideal for parents — enabling them to enjoy privacy and security in their own home, while remaining close to family members and loved ones. Seniors sometimes feel that they are a “burden” when sharing a household with family members. A manufactured home located adjacent to the family home gives the senior an independence and self-determination that they desire.
The adoption of ADUs in more populated urban areas has now become possible, as housing jurisdictions are now realizing the important role manufactured homes will play in easing the growing shortage of affordable housing.
ADU Rentals Produce Revenue For Homeowners, Affordable Quality For Tenants
ADUs are being welcomed and encouraged in expensive residential metropolitan areas, near employment centers and college towns — like the city of Corvallis, Oregon.
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon is home to Oregon State University, with an enrollment of about 23,000 students. The city’s population is approximately 53,000. The University is the number one employer in the city.
A recent survey determined that 42% of campus undergraduates reported not having enough financial resources to make ends meet. Lack of affordable housing is the largest contributor to their financial dilemma, according to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.
To address the need for affordable housing, the City of Corvallis recently passed a building code measure permitting homeowners to install a second residential dwelling (ADU) on their existing home site. The City of Albany, Oregon is also considering similar measure for ADU installations.
The employment of new manufactured home ADUs as rentals will produce revenue for the homeowner, and provide a safe, affordable, quality residence for students close to the university campus.
California Poised To Pass Bill Supporting ADU Manufactured Homes Statewide
In California, the State Senate is poised to pass SB 831, introduced by Senator Wieckowski, and co-authored by Senators Atkins and Wiener.
SB 831 will amend the California Government Code to permit Accessory Dwelling Units on existing residential lots throughout the state. The pending legislation expressly includes HUD Code manufactured homes, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code.
California State Senate
The legislation requires the minimum floor size be no less than 400 square feet — the minimum size built to HUD Code regulations. The maximum floor area must not exceed 1,200 square feet.
Several cities in California have already begun to permit ADU installations. These include the City Of Garden Grove in heavily populated Orange County, where rental and home prices are some of the highest in the nation. For more information about Garden Grove’s ADU program, which mirrors the pending state legislation, check out their page on ADUs at their website.
If you’re a homeowner interested in ADUs, either as a revenue source or to accommodate family members, we invite you to familiarize yourself with today’s modern, quality-built manufactured homes right here at ManufacturedHomes.com.
Here, you can browse thousands of floor plans, selected 3D home tours, and construction specifications for manufactured homes available nationwide. Simply enter your town in the search bar to find a manufactured home retailer near you. You can even get a no-obligation, custom price quote from a retailer in your area on any of the homes displayed.
