New Transit Oriented Development code encourages Accessory Dwelling Units in some parts of Omaha
ADUs are also known as 'granny flats' or 'mother-in-law suites'
ADUs are also known as 'granny flats' or 'mother-in-law suites'
ADUs are also known as 'granny flats' or 'mother-in-law suites'
Tucked behind an Aksarben bungalow near 60th and Woolworth streets sits another, smaller house, on the same lot.
Dan Donlan bought the property and its two homes, decades ago.
Sometimes referred to as a "mother-in-law suite", that's truly who's living in Donlan's backyard.
"Somewhat larger than a tiny house but not much. It's about 450 square feet," said Reuline Nightingale, Donlon's mother-in-law.
Nightingale, a retiree, said at this time in her life, the setup works great.
"I love the arrangement because I have family all around me, and yet I can go in my little house and shut the door," she said.
You can spot these structures around Omaha, tucked behind older homes or atop garages.
They're known officially as accessory dwelling units or ADUs.
"Also known as mother-in-law suites or granny flats, they have a bunch of different names throughout the country," said Grace Thomas, a coordinator of the Missing Middle Housing Campaign.
The group is working to get the word out about Omaha's updated code and the opportunity for new ADUs.
"They typically have a kitchenette, a small kitchen, a bathroom, and then a bedroom with a small living space," Thomas said.
Many existing ADUs are grandfathered in, and the city planning department said there was a policy created in the 1980s regarding the creation of new ADUs.
That policy required getting 50 percent of neighbors to petition the city. The planning department calls it "cumbersome".
Now, a code change that's part of Omaha's Transit Oriented Development zoning seeks to make it easier to create these units in neighborhoods around the ORBT bus line.
"The reason we made ADU a possibility is because we believe in that transportation system," City Planning Director David Fanslau said, "and we're trying to build density along the corridor."
The new rules are specific to neighborhoods included in the TOD zoning, and Fanslau said they hope people take advantage of being in the TOD area.
As far as the new process, individual homeowners can apply without having to get neighbors on board to petition the city.
It does require approval from the planning board but not the city council.
The ADU cannot be sold separately, and it can't be larger than 750 square feet.
The ADU also needs to have permanent utility connections and comply with building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes.
The property owner has to live on site, either in the primary dwelling or the ADU.
The Missing Middle Housing campaign has hosted a number of community events to educate people on the new code under TOD.
"A lot of cities have found great success in using ADUs as a way to add some density to their neighborhood in a small-scale way," Thomas said.
In addition to creating density, Thomas said these can be a more affordable option for renters. She said they're also great for senior citizens who don't want a large property, or in Nightingale's cases, desire to be near family.
"Sometimes we have barbecues here. The whole family's around. It's just an ideal situation, I love it," Nightingale said.
As for Donlan:
"It has helped my marriage," he said, laughing.
And all joking aside, Donlan said he thinks ADUs are a great idea.
"The homes are overpriced as it is. I'm paying way too much in taxes. And it'd be a good thing," he said.