Digital platform offers pre-approved designs and financial tools to help homeowners build accessory dwelling units.
New York City has introduced a new digital platform designed to simplify and accelerate the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), as the city seeks innovative solutions to address its ongoing housing shortage.
The platform, called ADU For You, was launched by the New York City Mayor’s Office and provides homeowners with tools to determine whether their properties are eligible for ADU construction, explore financing options and access a library of pre-approved building designs.
The initiative is expected to help homeowners create small residential units in backyards, attics or other spaces, potentially increasing housing supply while allowing residents to generate rental income or accommodate family members.
Platform Developed With Multiple Partners
The ADU For You platform was developed in collaboration with several public agencies and housing organizations, including:
- New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development
- New York City Department of Buildings
- Habitat for Humanity
Architecture and design studio WXY led the platform’s branding, design, content development and web production.
The platform also features pre-approved architectural designs developed by several firms, including:
- Reform Architecture
- SITU
- EEREE
Additional designs are available from other firms participating in the initiative, offering homeowners a variety of layout options.
How the ADU Platform Works
The platform guides homeowners through several steps to determine whether building an ADU is feasible.
First, users enter their property address into the system to check eligibility based on zoning rules and local regulations. If the property qualifies, the platform provides financial modeling tools that estimate potential construction costs and projected rental income.
Once feasibility is confirmed, homeowners can select from a library of pre-approved ADU designs, reducing the time required for planning approvals and permitting.
The platform also assists users in navigating the process of obtaining construction permits and final occupancy approvals.
One of the featured designs includes a 280-square-foot modular studio unit developed by SITU, based on a structural system created by WikiHouse.
Wide Range of Design Costs
The pre-approved ADU designs available through the platform vary significantly in size, layout and price.
According to city officials, the most affordable pre-approved design is estimated to cost around $85,000, while larger and more complex designs can reach approximately $650,000.
The variety of options is intended to accommodate homeowners with different budgets and property conditions.
City leaders believe that providing ready-to-build designs can significantly reduce both the cost and complexity of building small residential units.
Part of Broader Housing Reform Efforts
The launch of the platform follows a series of policy changes aimed at addressing the city’s housing shortage.
In 2023, Eric Adams promoted the use of accessory dwelling units as a potential solution to increase housing supply while preserving neighborhood character.
In 2024, the city adopted major zoning reforms under Local Laws 126 and 127, allowing the construction of ADUs in one- and two-family homes with a maximum size of 800 square feet.
Further regulations finalized in 2025 clarified rules for building ADUs in backyards and attic spaces.
The launch of ADU For You represents the latest step in implementing those reforms and making the process more accessible for homeowners.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
City officials say the initiative aims to unlock small-scale housing opportunities across thousands of residential properties.
By enabling homeowners to build additional living units, the program could help expand housing availability while providing new income opportunities for residents.
Supporters argue that accessory dwelling units offer a flexible way to increase housing density without dramatically altering existing neighborhoods.
With the rollout of the ADU For You platform, New York City hopes to accelerate ADU construction and provide a practical tool for homeowners interested in contributing to the city’s evolving housing landscape.
