What is required for accessory dwelling units (ADUs)?

Accessory Dwelling Units

An ADU is typically an additional living area independent of the primary dwelling that may have been added to, created within, or detached from a primary one-unit dwelling. The ADU must provide for living, sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities and be on the same parcel as the primary one-unit dwelling.

The following table describes the requirements for classifying an ADU.

Construction of an ADU

The construction method of an ADU can be site- or factory-built, including modular, and single- or multi-width HUD Code manufactured homes that are legally classified as real property. If an ADU is present, the primary dwelling must be site-built or a modular home. If the ADU is a HUD Code manufactured home, the lender must verify the following:

• the property was built in compliance with the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (established June 15, 1976, as amended and in force at the time the home was manufactured),
• it is attached to a permanent foundation system in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements for anchoring, support, stability, and maintenance,
• the foundation system must be appropriate for the soil conditions for the site and meet local and state codes,
• it is encumbered by the mortgage with the primary dwelling, and
• additional requirements that appear in HUD regulations in 24 C.F.R. Part 3280.

Compliance with these standards will be evidenced by photos of the HUD Data Plate or HUD Certification Label(s) (for each section of the home) in the appraisal. If the original or alternative documentation cannot be obtained for the HUD Data Plate or the HUD Certification Label(s), the loan is not eligible for sale to Fannie Mae. See B2-3-02, Special Property Eligibility and Underwriting Considerations: Factory-Built Housing, for more information.

Examples of ADUs

Examples of ADUs include, (but are not limited to):

• a living area over a garage,
• a living area in a basement,
• a small addition to the primary dwelling, or
• a manufactured home (legally classified as real property).

Whether a property is defined as a one-unit property with an accessory unit or a two- to four-unit property will be based on the characteristics of the property, which may include, but are not limited to, the existence of separate utility meter(s), a unique postal address, and whether the unit can be legally rented. The appraiser must determine compliance with this definition as part of the analysis in the Highest and Best Use section of the appraisal. See B4-1.3-05, Improvements Section of the Appraisal Report for additional ADU appraisal requirements.

Zoning for an ADU

Some ADUs may predate the adoption of the local zoning ordinance and therefore be classified as legal nonconforming. An ADU should always be considered legal if it is allowed under the current zoning code for the subject property.

If it is determined that the property contains an ADU that is not allowed under zoning (where an ADU is not allowed under any circumstance), the property is eligible under the following additional conditions:

• The lender confirms that the existence will not jeopardize any future property insurance claim that might need to be filed for the property.
• The appraisal requirements related to zoning for an ADU are met. See B4-1.3-05, Improvements Section of the Appraisal Report

For additional information, see B2-3-04, Special Property Eligibility Considerations.