Ann Arbor, MI approved zoning amendments that greatly relaxed the requisite standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs can now be designed to match either a single-family residence or a detached accessory building, such as a garage or carriage house. It also relaxed residency requirements, and permits the owner to rent or lease ADUs long-term.
ADUs help increase neighborhood densities, which diminishes demand for automobile travel. ADUs, being smaller than traditional single-family homes, also consume fewer natural resources in the construction process as well as the during the day-to-day operation of the unit.