Thinking of creating a secondary apartment for your in-laws? Are you looking to add rental income to your property? Maybe you just want to create an ideal environment to enjoy a favorite activity? The solution could lie in one of the most affordable, exciting options: the Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU! This term covers what many people would call a mother-in-law apartment, a garage apartment, an alley flat or a granny flat. ADUs are quickly becoming one of the most popular choices for homeowners who want to expand their space, have available room for visiting friends and family, or have additional rental income in their backyard. If this is what you are looking for, we would love to design that dream space for you!

We have experience designing many building types within the complex zoning codes of Austin, TX. We also know that dealing with permits and zoning can be a nightmare. To put your mind at ease, we've assembled some quick notes on what will likely come up during the process of making your ADU a reality:

Any ADU must work within the City of Austin regulations dictating that a residential lot is only allowed 45% Impervious Cover and 40% of Building Coverage. These percentages are for the entire lot.
A maximum of either 15% or 1100 SF FAR (whichever is smaller) can be allotted to an ADU, 550 SF of which can be built on a second story.
ADUs may not exceed 30 ft. in height; an ADU is also only allowed up to a second story.
One parking space must be provided for the ADU; however, this does not necessitate an individual driveway for said ADU. Alternatively, a parking space does not have to be provided for an area in which the ADU is located within 1/4 mile of an area served by transit.
Minimum lot sizes for an ADU on SF-3 zoned lots must be 5750 SF.
Short term rentals must be limited to 30 days.
Additional information that could help:
- Ordinance 20151119-080 (http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/edims/document.cfm?id=243658)
- ADU Areas of Reduced Parking (http://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=d7485d285dd24f1ca6bfcfddf01f4771)
Tree regulations must be maintained in relation to the footprint of the ADU and all other structures on your property.

While it may seem like a lot to digest, we have experience designing and permitting all kinds of structures, including ADUs. Construction is about to begin on the Holly ADU; taking advantage of the generous backyard, the design manipulates the classic gable form, intersecting two respective gable volumes to create a dynamic space and a cozy outdoor atmosphere.

If you're thinking about a new, fresh space in your very own backyard, or converting an existing detached garage, we would love to talk to you.

**Holly St. ADU - rendering by Elliott Petterson**

**ADU Concept - rendering by Elijah Montez**