Back Yard Houses allowed in Oregon
I know individual state laws vary for a good reason as each state is unique and we all can not be forced to comply with an all encompassing, monolithic set of federal laws. However, I still wish what Portland, Oregon calls accessory dwelling units were legal in all 50 states. We call them garage apartments in New Mexico or just a backyard house.
I get that next door neighbors may not be too fond of having two families living on a single family lot. After all, they moved into the neighborhood under the assumption that single family lot MEANS single family lot, but having a sick relative living closer than next door has many obvious benefits for the caregiver and could save the expense of an impersonal nursing home. I am not sure why Oregon appears to be one of the few states that allow backyard houses as it seems the neighbors in the great state of Oregon would be just at likely to be irritated by such domiciles. What follows is a snippet from the New York Times which details the nature of accessory dwelling units in Portland.
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.
I get that next door neighbors may not be too fond of having two families living on a single family lot. After all, they moved into the neighborhood under the assumption that single family lot MEANS single family lot, but having a sick relative living closer than next door has many obvious benefits for the caregiver and could save the expense of an impersonal nursing home. I am not sure why Oregon appears to be one of the few states that allow backyard houses as it seems the neighbors in the great state of Oregon would be just at likely to be irritated by such domiciles. What follows is a snippet from the New York Times which details the nature of accessory dwelling units in Portland.
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.
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