Grandma Never Had It So Good – ADU’s in Portland, Oregon

In most cities, adding a second house to a single-family lot would be illegal or would set off an epic battle with the neighbors that could drag on for years. But not in Portland, Ore.

There, this kind of housing — referred to officially as "accessory dwelling units," but better known as granny flats, garage apartments or alley houses — is being welcomed and even encouraged, thanks to friendly zoning laws. And additional living spaces are springing up everywhere, providing affordable housing without changing the feeling or texture of established neighborhoods the way high-rise developments can.

By SANDY KEENAN

Full Story: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/08/garden/grandma-never-had-it-so-good.html?_r=1

Many thanks to Ken Duce for sharing this article.