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Accessory Dwellings Units: Good for your pocketbook, good for the city

By Guest Writer Jordan Palmeri, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality

Are you aware of the Accessory Dwelling Units concept? An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a second dwelling unit created on a residential lot. The second unit is created as a smaller auxiliary to the main dwelling.. These homes represent a tremendous opportunity to improve a community’s environmental, economic, and social well being.  From an environmental standpoint, small homes use fewer materials, less energy, create less waste, and increase density.  Initially, they can also provide a more feasible scale for incorporating reused and natural building materials, and achieving green building standards such as Passive House and the Living Building Challenge.

Recently, the City of Portland waived all system development charges, which ranged from $8,000 - $12,000, for permitting accessory dwelling units over the next 3 years. At a time when many may be questioning both the economic and environmental effects of our consumption habits, small homes can facilitate a simpler lifestyle- one that focuses more on family and community.    

For more information about ADUs in the state of Oregon visit Oregon DEQ.

About the Author

Erik Cathcart

Erik Cathcart, Director of Marketing, is responsible for overseeing the marketing, communications and branding efforts at Earth Advantage Institute. Erik previously served as the director of marketing for Quantum Solar Power Corp. a solar PV development company. He has worked with a wide range of startup’s, primarily in the technology and disruptive spaces including fuel cell technology, real-time particle detection, data center cooling. He received an MFA from SUNY New Paltz and a BFA from the Rochester Institute of Technology.