People support higher housing density in theory, but not in NY ‘burbs

A majority of American homeowners and renters support the presence of accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, in residential neighborhoods, according to a new Zillow study, but a recent outcry against legislation that would have eased restrictions on the units show its popularity might not be as solid as appears.

Researchers at Zillow found 77% of U.S. homeowners and renters in support of allowing either ADUs or duplexes and triplexes in residential neighborhoods. The percentage of renters in favor — 84% — exceeded the share of homeowners, of which 73% voiced approval. Research was conducted through surveys across 26 metropolitan areas covered by Zillow.

A higher number reacted more favorably toward ADUs over duplex and triplex developments. Sixty-nine percent of respondents supported residential ADUs compared to 61% who said they would allow duplexes and triplexes. The gap between approval of ADU versus duplexes and triplexes among homeowners was 66% to 55%. Renter support was slightly more evenly distributed, with 76% in support of ADUs and 72% for duplexes and triplexes.

Many see the addition of more ADUs and duplexes and triplexes in residential neighborhoods as a possible antidote to alleviate housing supply and affordability issues, which have sidelined many potential home buyers over the past two years.

"We are facing a housing crisis that's touched most communities across the country, pushing housing affordability to the center of the conversation for many," said Manny Garcia, a population scientist at Zillow, in a press release.

"Modest densification measures, like adding a small apartment in a backyard or converting existing homes into duplexes, could create millions of new homes,” Garcia added.

Support for either ADUs or duplexes and triplexes decreased by age among the respondents in Zillow’s survey. Gen Z and millennial respondents both expressed the greatest support, with 86% of each saying they would allow them in residential neighborhoods. The share decreased to 78% among Generation X and 64% for baby boomers and members of the Silent Generation.

Despite the indication of widespread backing of such housing in Zillow’s survey, a recent New York proposal that would have driven up growth in their supply shows large pockets of resistance to them. A plan introduced by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul in January mandated that municipalities allow one ADU on every residential owner-occupied lot. The legislation also would have included funding to jurisdictions and nonprofits that would enable the creation and legalization of new ADUs. Hochul’s plan received support from housing advocates, builders and the New York chapter of the AARP.

But swift bipartisan outcry in the state, led by suburban officials, prompted Hochul to nix the proposal in February and remove it from the state budget. Hochul has said she would instead try to work on funding solutions individually with local jurisdictions wanting to build more ADUs.

The defeat of Hochul’s plan, though, went against the tide of recent statewide legislation elsewhere in the country that would facilitate ADU development. Last summer, Connecticut passed a bill easing ADU restrictions, and earlier this month, a California State Senate committee approved a bill that could be seen as encouraging the construction of units. Among the provisions in California’s bill are increases to allowable height in certain circumstances and the removal of owner-occupancy restrictions.