WRAL: “The state legislature is considering a controversial solution to the lack of affordable housing: Granny flats.
On [April 20] a legislative committee advanced House Bill 409, which aims to legalize the construction of tinier houses in the yards or woods of already existing homes.
Technically called accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, such properties are more colloquially called granny flats. Many people build them to let their elderly parents move in and avoid a nursing home. Others build them to rent out, for some extra income. That is — if it’s legal; many local governments statewide ban that type of construction. This bill would undo those bans.
The measure comes as regions with rising housing costs look for ways to offer more affordable options. It’s a problem lawmakers have sought to tackle through a number of bills this legislative session. One solution to the problem: Build more houses.
“This bill is intended to be one of many tools that we can use to increase housing stock across the state,” said Rep. Vernetta Alston, a Durham Democrat who sponsored the bill.”