Glossary

Accessibility Features: Design elements that make an ADU usable for people with disabilities.

Accessibility Standards: Guidelines that ensure buildings are usable by people with disabilities, including features like ramps and wide doorways.

Accessory Structures: Additional buildings on a property, such as garages or sheds, that are not the main residence.

Adaptive Reuse: The process of repurposing old buildings for new uses, often preserving their historical features.

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit): A small living space on the same property as a main house, often used for guests or rental.

Affordable Housing Initiatives: Programs and policies aimed at increasing the availability of housing that is affordable for low- and moderate-income families.

Affordable Housing: Housing that is reasonably priced for people with lower incomes.

Architectural Review: A process where designs are evaluated to ensure they meet community standards.

Attached ADU: An ADU that is connected to the main house, sharing a wall or entrance.

Building Codes: Safety standards that construction must meet to ensure buildings are safe and livable.

Building Envelope: The physical separator between the interior and exterior of a building, including walls, roofs, and foundations.

Building Materials: The substances used to construct a building, such as wood, concrete, and steel.

Building Permit: Official permission from the government to start construction on a building.

Capital Gains Tax: A tax on the profit made from selling a property, applicable when the property value increases.

Certificate of Occupancy: A document that confirms a building is safe to live in and meets all regulations.

Cohousing: A community of private homes clustered around shared spaces, encouraging social interaction and cooperation.

Community Development: Efforts to improve the quality of life in a neighborhood through planning and investment in infrastructure and housing.

Community Engagement: Involvement of local residents in discussions and decisions about development projects, including ADUs.

Community Land Trusts: Nonprofit organizations that acquire and hold land to provide affordable housing and promote community development.

Construction Costs: The total expenses involved in building an ADU, including materials and labor.

Construction Timeline: A schedule outlining the expected duration of a construction project, including key milestones.

Contractor Selection: The process of choosing a builder or construction company to carry out the construction of an ADU.

Crowdfunding: A method of raising money for a project by collecting small amounts of money from many people, often through online platforms.

Cultural Considerations: Factors related to the cultural context of a community that may influence development decisions.

Density Bonus: An incentive that allows more buildings or units on a property if certain conditions are met, like including affordable housing.

Design Guidelines: Recommendations for how an ADU should look and function to fit in with the neighborhood.

Design Review Board: A group that evaluates building designs to ensure they fit the community’s character.

Detached ADU: An ADU that is a separate building from the main house, like a small cottage or garage apartment.

Easement: A legal right to use someone else’s land for a specific purpose, like access to utilities.

Energy Efficiency: Designing buildings to use less energy for heating, cooling, and electricity.

Environmental Impact: The effect that a development project has on the surrounding environment, including natural resources and ecosystems.

Equitable Development: Efforts to ensure that all community members have access to housing and resources, regardless of their background.

Equity Sharing: An arrangement where two parties share ownership of a property, often to make housing more affordable.

Federal Guidelines: National standards and regulations that may influence housing and development practices.

Financing Options: Different ways to pay for building an ADU, such as loans or grants.

Financing Programs: Various financial options available to help homeowners pay for construction or renovation projects.

Fire Safety Regulations: Rules that ensure buildings are designed to prevent and respond to fires.

Foundation Types: Different methods of supporting a building, including slab, crawl space, and basement foundations.

Furnishing Options: Choices available for decorating and equipping a living space, including furniture and appliances.

Grants and Subsidies: Financial assistance provided by governments or organizations to help cover costs associated with building or improving housing.

Green Building: Construction practices that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Heating and Cooling Systems: Equipment used to regulate indoor temperatures, including furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps.

Historic Preservation: Efforts to protect and maintain buildings and sites of historical significance.

Home Appraisal: An assessment of a property’s value, often required when buying or refinancing a home.

Home Automation: The use of technology to automate tasks in the home, improving convenience and efficiency.

Home Equity: The value of a homeowner’s interest in their property, which can be borrowed against for financing.

Home Improvement Loans: Loans specifically designed to finance renovations or upgrades to a home.

Homeowner Association (HOA): A group that manages a neighborhood and may have rules about building ADUs.

Homeowner Responsibilities: Duties that come with owning a home, such as maintenance and paying taxes.

Housing Policy: Guidelines and regulations set by governments to address housing needs and challenges.

Impact Fees: Charges paid to the local government to cover the costs of providing services to new developments.

In-law Suite: A term for an ADU designed for family members, often elderly parents.

Infill Development: Building new homes or businesses on vacant or underused land within existing urban areas.

Inspections: Evaluations conducted by officials to ensure that construction complies with building codes and safety standards.

Insurance Requirements: Types of insurance that homeowners must have to protect their property.

Interior Design: The art of enhancing the interior of a space to achieve a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment.

Investment Property: Real estate purchased with the intention of earning a return, either through rental income or resale.

Junior ADU (JADU): A smaller unit within the main house, usually with its own entrance, often designed for a family member.

Land Use Change: The transformation of land from one use to another, such as from agricultural to residential.

Land Use Planning: The process of managing how land is used and developed, balancing various needs and interests.

Land Use: How land is used, including residential, commercial, or agricultural purposes.

Landscaping Requirements: Rules about how outdoor spaces should be designed and maintained.

Lease Agreement: A legal contract between a landlord and tenant outlining the terms of renting a property.

Local Government: The governing body responsible for making and enforcing laws and regulations in a specific area.

Long-term Rental: Renting out a property for an extended period, typically a year or more.

Lot Coverage: The percentage of a property that can be covered by buildings, including ADUs.

Maintenance Costs: Expenses associated with keeping a property in good condition over time.

Maintenance Costs: Expenses related to keeping an ADU in good condition, including repairs and regular upkeep.

Market Demand: The desire for housing in a specific area, which can affect property values and rental prices.

Micro-unit: A very small living space, often designed for efficiency and minimalism.

Mixed-Use Development: Projects that combine residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial uses in one area.

Modular ADU: An ADU that is built in sections (modules) in a factory and then assembled on-site.

Multi-generational Living: Families living together, often facilitated by having an ADU for additional space.

Natural Light: Illumination from the sun that enters a building through windows, enhancing the living environment.

Neighborhood Associations: Groups formed by residents to address community issues and promote neighborhood interests.

Neighborhood Compatibility: How well a new building, like an ADU, fits in with the existing homes in the area.

Noise Regulations: Local laws that limit the amount of noise that can be produced by a property, ensuring a peaceful environment.

Outdoor Space: Areas outside the home, such as yards, patios, or gardens, that can be used for recreation or relaxation.

Parking Requirements: Regulations that dictate how many parking spaces must be provided for a property.

Permitting: The process of getting official approval from the government to build an ADU.

Post-Construction: Activities and considerations that occur after a building is completed, including inspections and final touches.

Pre-fabricated ADU: An ADU that is manufactured off-site and then transported to the property for assembly.

Privacy Considerations: Factors taken into account to ensure that residents have adequate privacy from neighbors and passersby.

Project Management: The process of planning, executing, and overseeing a construction project to ensure it is completed on time and within budget.

Property Management: The operation and oversight of rental properties, including maintenance and tenant relations.

Property Tax: A tax based on the value of a property, typically paid annually to local governments.

Property Value: The worth of a property, which can increase with the addition of an ADU.

Public Hearings: Meetings where community members can express their opinions on proposed developments or changes to local regulations.

Quality Assurance: Measures taken to ensure that construction meets specified standards and regulations.

Real Estate Market: The economic environment related to buying, selling, and renting properties.

Rental Income: Money earned from renting out an ADU to tenants.

Roofing Options: Various materials and styles used for roofs, such as shingles, metal, or tiles.

Rural Development: Initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life and economic well-being in rural areas, often including housing projects.

Security Features: Measures taken to protect a property from theft or intrusion, such as alarms and surveillance cameras.

Septic System: A self-contained sewage treatment system used in areas without a public sewer connection, often found in rural settings.

Setback: The required distance a building must be from property lines, ensuring space between buildings.

Sewer Connection: The link between a property’s plumbing system and the public sewer system, allowing for waste disposal.

Short-term Rental Regulations: Laws that govern how properties can be rented out for short stays.

Short-term Rental: Renting out an ADU for a brief period, often to tourists or visitors.

Siding Materials: The exterior covering of a building, which can include wood, vinyl, brick, or stucco.

Site Constraints: Limitations on a property that affect how it can be developed, such as size, shape, and zoning regulations.

Site Plan: A detailed drawing showing how a property will be developed, including the placement of buildings.

Smart Growth: An approach to urban planning that promotes sustainable development, efficient land use, and community engagement.

Smart Home Technology: Devices and systems that allow homeowners to control various aspects of their home remotely, such as lighting and security.

State Regulations: Laws and guidelines set by state governments that affect how properties can be developed and used.

Subcontractors: Specialized workers hired by a general contractor to perform specific tasks, such as plumbing or electrical work.

Sustainability: Practices that help protect the environment, often included in ADU design.

Sustainable Communities: Neighborhoods designed to be environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially inclusive.

Tax Implications: Financial consequences related to property taxes and income taxes that can arise from owning or renting an ADU.

Tenant Rights: Legal protections and entitlements that renters have.

Tiny House: A small, often mobile home that emphasizes simplicity and minimal living.

Transit-Oriented Development: Development that is designed to maximize access to public transportation, reducing reliance on cars.

Universal Design: Design principles that make spaces accessible and usable for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

Urban Planning: The process of designing and regulating the use of land in urban areas to create sustainable and functional communities.

Utilities: Essential services such as water, electricity, gas, and sewage that are necessary for a home to function.

Utility Connections: The process of linking an ADU to essential services like water, electricity, and sewage.

Ventilation: The process of supplying fresh air to a building and removing stale air, important for indoor air quality.

Warranty: A guarantee provided by builders or manufacturers that covers repairs or replacements for a certain period after construction.

Water Supply: The source of water for a property, which can be municipal or from a private well.

Window Placement: The strategic positioning of windows in a building to maximize natural light and views while maintaining privacy.

Zoning: Rules set by local governments that determine how land can be used, including where ADUs can be built.