Granny flats, in-law units, garage apartments, basement apartments, tiny houses on foundations. These are all examples of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and their popularity in the US is rapidly rising.

To inform Greensboro residents about this housing option from an environmental, lifestyle and financial aspect, the City’s Planning Department is hosting a lecture Tuesday, March 13 by Kol Peterson, a nationally known leader on ADUs who has built them himself and lived in one since 2011.

The free event, titled the “Accessory Dwelling Units: A New/Old Idea that is Reshaping Cities,” begins at 6:30 pm at the Greensboro History Museum, 130 Summit Ave.

Peterson, an environmental planner and author, catalyzed the growth of ADUs in Portland, OR, through advocacy, education, consulting, policy work, and entrepreneurship. He also edits and manages several ADU-related websites, such as this one.

ADUs are not a new concept; alley apartments and carriage houses in historic cities were also ADUs. These alternate housing units are now once again becoming popular as rental income and to house a family member.

“We are thrilled to have Kol Peterson in Greensboro,” says Sue Schwartz, planning department director. “As our city continues to grow, we need to understand the value of a variety of housing types and how they can enhance our neighborhoods.”

This event is part of a speaker series coordinated by the Planning Department called “PlanIt Greensboro.” These free community events are intended to engage residents and the business community around topics of interest associated with updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Connections 2025.

For more information about the March 13 event, ADUs, or the PlanIt Greensboro speaker series, contact Russ Clegg, City senior planner, at 336-373-2211.