The ADU - a Missing Option

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a smart, flexible housing solution that benefit both residents and communities. They allow homeowners to generate extra income through rental opportunities or provide close, independent living space for aging family members, adult children, or loved ones. While currently allowed only in "grandfathered" situations or as part of a new build under the Narrow Lot Design Guidelines, ADUs are growing in popularity as families seek creative ways to stay connected and manage rising housing costs.

It's encouraging that ADUs are included in the Narrow Lot Design Guidelines for new construction, but not everyone in need of this option is building a new home. Many residents are looking to add living space to accommodate multigenerational households or offset housing expenses and rising property taxes with supplemental rental income. Other communities across the Kansas City Metro have successfully adopted ADU-friendly policies — and so can we.

Thanks to updates under the Biden Administration’s American Rescue Plan (ARPA), FHA loan guidelines now allow for ADU financing and the inclusion of rental income in mortgage qualifications — bringing much-needed affordability within reach for families here in Wyandotte County.

By working collaboratively with our Planning & Zoning and Building Inspection Departments, we can modernize local policies to support ADUs, offering families more flexibility and expanding access to affordable housing — something our community truly needs.