Accessory Dwelling Unit

An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a smaller living unit that shares the same lot as the primary residence.  ADUs come in many forms and have many names—second units, junior second units, granny flats,  and in-law units.  An ADUs can either be a garage conversion or an attached  or detached residential dwelling unit which provides independent living facilities for one or more persons, is accessory to the primary residential dwelling unit, and includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking facilities, and sanitation on the same parcel as the primary residential dwelling unit.

In the past, ADUs were often built as separate living quarters for relatives. Today, in this housing crunch, they can provide affordable rental housing for tenants. They can also be residences for older adults who want to downsize but stay in their neighborhoods. ADUs can increase the amount and variety of a community’s housing stock to meet a community's housing needs while maintaining the character of residential neighborhoods.

If you are interested in building an ADU please visit: https://www.fostercity.org/commdev/page/accessory-dwelling-unit-adu