New York City this week released proposed guidelines for building small homes in basements, backyards, garages, and other parts of existing properties. The Department of Buildings and the Department of Housing and Preservation on Tuesday released its proposed rules for constructing accessory dwelling units (ADUs)—a key element of Mayor Eric Adams’ “City of Yes” housing plan aimed at expanding the city’s housing supply. The proposed rules focus largely on safety standards for basement and cellar apartments, including requirements for two exits, a ban on ADUs in high-risk flood zones, and water sensors in every room to alert residents of flooding.
“Today, our administration is taking an important step toward unlocking thousands of safe, legal homes for New Yorkers. Ancillary dwelling units are a solution to our city’s housing crisis that allow homeowners to create new homes for family members or renters while keeping our neighborhoods vibrant and livable,” Adams said.
“Through ‘City of Yes,’ we’re giving New Yorkers more housing options, more flexibility, and more opportunity, block by block and borough by borough as we make New York City the best place to live and raise a family.”…