Accessory Dwelling Units: A Way to Promote Aging in Place

When knocking on doors, I consistently hear concerns about affordable housing and the ability of our seniors to age in place. Homes without stairs are scarce and there are few single floor living options for seniors who want to remain in their neighborhood. We need new solutions to this problem, which is why, if elected to be your next Ward 2 Councilperson, I will propose the addition of Accessory Dwelling Units into Lakewood’s Planning and Zoning Code.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development describes Accessory Dwelling Units (also known as in-law suites or carriage houses) as structures that generally “contain their own sleeping room, bathroom and kitchen and can be created as part of an existing house (i.e., an upper level, attic or basement), attached to an existing house (i.e., a rear appendage to the principal structure, which is particularly amenable to creating accessible units), or as a standalone (i.e., detached structure.)” Densely populated cities with little space to build new housing, like Los Angeles, have seen the amount of affordable housing increase when ordinances permitting ADUs were implemented. According to a survey of ADUs published by the Terner Center, the average cost of ADU construction is $156,000, whereas the national average cost to construct a single-family home is $237,760.

In Lakewood, ADUs can increase our affordable housing stock and allow seniors to age in place. Seniors who can no longer navigate their century homes can independently reside in an ADU, with family or renters living in the main house. Providing the option to build an ADU would allow a multigenerational family to live in close proximity, while still affording independence to elderly parents or young adult children. Further, a homeowner seeking to generate rental income could build an ADU as a rental unit, which would provide a new affordable and accessible housing option for people wanting to live in Lakewood.

Lakewood’s Planning and Zoning code currently does not include any provisions for ADUs and discourages their construction. Currently, to build an ADU you must obtain a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals. Creating provisions for ADUs in Lakewood’s code would provide uniformity to the character of ADUs and allow for general contractors to gain expertise in their construction. If elected, I will work with you, Lakewood’s Housing & Building and Planning & Development Departments, my fellow members of Council, and other stakeholders to update the Planning and Zoning code to allow for this affordable housing option. Affordable and accessible housing is needed in Lakewood; Accessory Dwelling Units can be part of the solution.