CARE • All about ADUs

Looking to downsize, live with loved ones, or lower your housing costs in Edmonds? Good news: there's an ADU for you.

Stay in touch with CARE.

We'll be in touch with news & insights on building a stronger Edmonds.

What's an ADU?

An accessory dwelling unit, or ADU for short, is just an extra home on a lot. That's it!

There are two kinds:

in-home apartments

backyard cottages

illustrations: Alfred Twu for Sightline Institute

Why are ADUs good for Edmonds?

They're more affordable.

ADUs require less land and materials to build than other kinds of homes. While they can be expensive to build, their smaller size means they cost less than typical new homes in Edmonds.

They're flexible

ADUs create options for those who aren't well-served by our existing housing stock: folks hoping to age in place, people with disabilities, and multigenerational households.

They unlock opportunity

For property owners, ADUS are a low-barrier way to generate income and wealth. ADUs also allow residents to live in neighborhoods where housing might otherwise be too expensive.

case study:

Janet's tiny home

After her husband passed, Janet Good needed a more affordable place to live. Her son, Fred, built her a backyard cottage on his lot in Esperance. Today, they love living close by, and enjoy a perfect balance of connection & privacy.

Knowing that my mom’s going to be fine for the rest of her life, and I’ve got her back – that is an amazing feeling.

Fred Good

Janet's son; first-time ADU builder

did you know?

ADUs are old news in Edmonds!

Originally called “carriage houses”, ADUs were commonly built in the early days of Edmonds – often converted from garages. Look closely, and you might even find some in your neighborhood!

These are some of our favorites from downtown.

Originally called “carriage houses”, ADUs were commonly built in the early days of Edmonds – often converted from garages. Look closely, and you might even find some in your neighborhood!

These are some of our favorites from downtown.