Housing Preservation and Development and the Department of Buildings Launch New Tools to Help Turn Backyards into Homes

March 18, 2026- Housing Preservation and Development and the Department of Buildings Launch New Tools to Help Turn B

For the first time since 2024, homeowners can access the reopened Plus One ADU program and the new "ADU for You" toolkit, which includes a guidebook and resources to help them plan and build Ancillary Dwelling Units

New York, NY - New York City's Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and Department of Buildings (DOB) today unveiled new tools to increase housing supply in low-density neighborhoods across the five boroughs, including the City's " website and, in partnership with Restored Homes HDFC, the reopening of the for the first time since its initial 2024 intake and the adoption of City of Yes for Housing Opportunity. Together, these efforts build on the Mamdani administration's work to make it easier to build housing across the five boroughs.

"One of the solutions to the housing crisis can be found in our backyards, our attics, or our basements - in an Ancillary Dwelling Unit. That's why our administration is making it easier and more affordable to build an ADU through a library of pre-approved plans and new financing options," said Mayor Mamdani. "By making it easier for New Yorkers to turn their homes into an extra place for a loved one or a little more income, we're allowing our city to grow while keeping the character of the neighborhoods we love."

"In the midst of a dire housing crisis, ADUs are an important tool for homeowners to add space, bring in extra income, and stay in their communities - but creating an ADU can feel out of reach for too many New Yorkers. These new tools will help ensure that any New Yorker who wants to add an ADU is able to do," said Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning. "Whether you are interested in adding a new backyard cottage or converting an underused garage or attic into housing, we have resources to help guide you through the process."

"New York City needs more housing. Some of it is going to come from backyards and basements - and that's not a small thing. ADU for You makes it possible for homeowners who want to be a part of the solution to actually do it, giving New Yorkers the plans, the financing, and a clear path forward," said HPD Commissioner Dina Levy.

"Ancillary dwelling units have the potential of unlock thousands of safe, quality homes for New Yorkers in low density neighborhoods across the city," said Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani. "However, these homes will not get built if the permitting process places too many barriers in the way. Today's announcement includes multiple tools that will help remove these barriers, including the new Pre-Approved Plan Library which gives New Yorkers a menu of potential design options that have already undergone an initial review by DOB for code-compliance leading to faster approvals."

New Tools for Homeowners

The city's newly unveiled resources make it easier than ever for homeowners to plan, finance, and build an Ancillary Dwelling Unit (ADU), sometimes called an Accessory Dwelling Unit, on their property. The Plus One ADU program is reopening in partnership with Restored Homes HDFC, offering up to $395,000 in combined financing through NYC HPD and NYS HCR for qualified homeowners to build ADUs.

"ADUs serve a dual purpose of increasing the stock of quality, affordable housing while providing supplemental income to homeowners seeking to remain in their homes and communities," said Salvatore D'Avola, CEO, Restored Homes Housing Development Fund Corporation. "The new tools and resources being made available to the public through the "ADU for You" program will provide critical guidance and information for homeowners interested in adding an ADU. We continue to be proud of our participation in the City's efforts to promote ADUs and are ready to respond to inquiries through our Resource Center."

New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Governor Hochul's Plus One ADU Program is increasing housing supply and providing an extra source of income for homeowners in New York City and across the state. The $85 million program was launched in 2023 with the city of New York and six other partners - the program has since grown and we currently have 14 partners working to create more than 550 ADUs throughout the state. HCR is looking forward to seeing all 37 projects in New York City completed, and we are confident these projects will have a transformative effect on the City's housing landscape."

The "ADU for You" toolkit provides a comprehensive guidebook and online resources to help homeowners understand, plan, and build ADUs, which can provide extra income, house a family member, or help older New Yorkers age in place. The platform also includes a Pre-Approved Plan Library (PAPL) and site feasibility and cost-estimating tools to streamline design and project planning.

The PAPL is a key feature of the toolkit, offering a collection of ready-to-build ADU plan designs that have already been reviewed and generically approved by the City's Department of Buildings (DOB) for compliance with city code. It is now available to the public with nine pre-approved plan designs for detached backyard cottages. Homeowners who select a PAPL design will be connected with the Registered Design Professional (RDP) who created it, allowing them to work together on the project. While homeowners can still work with a design professional on a unique ADU design to fit their lot, choosing a pre-approved design simplifies the permit approval process.

Additional designs will be regularly added to the PAPL as more ADU submissions from design professionals are reviewed and approved by DOB.

NYC's Ancillary Dwelling Units:

ADUs were officially approved in New York City in December 2024 as part of the city's efforts to expand housing options in low-density neighborhoods through the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity. The policy allows homeowners to create small, self-contained living spaces on their property, including backyard cottages, basement apartments, attic conversions, and garage studios, while meeting safety and zoning requirements.

The first round of applications for the Plus One ADU program saw overwhelming interest, receiving over 1,300 submissions within two weeks of intake opening before closing in February 2024, demonstrating strong demand for ADUs across the city. ADUs provide opportunities for New York City residents to generate rental income, support intergenerational living, and aging in place, and programs like the Plus One ADU initiative and pre-approved designs help streamline permitting and financing, accelerating adoption across the five boroughs.

Limited funding is available, and opportunities to submit interest for financing will reopen on the program webpage through Friday, June 12, 2026.

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