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Transform Your Backyard Into Valuable Living Space
CREATE MORE SPACE FOR THE WAY YOU LIVE
Accessory Living Unit
(ALU)
If your family needs extra living space but you don't want to move, an Accessory Living Unit (ALU) can be a practical and cost-effective solution. Whether you're creating a private suite for aging parents, adult children, extended family, guests, or simply adding more functional space to your home, an ALU gives you flexibility while keeping your property comfortable and connected.
At ArcDesign, we create custom Accessory Living Unit plans that are designed around your home, your needs, and your local building requirements. From the initial concept through permit-ready construction drawings, we help make the process straightforward and stress-free.
At ArcDesign, we create custom Accessory Living Unit plans that are designed around your home, your needs, and your local building requirements. From the initial concept through permit-ready construction drawings, we help make the process straightforward and stress-free.
What Is an Accessory Living Unit?
An Accessory Living Unit (ALU) is a secondary living space that is intended for the personal use of the property's residents. Unlike an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), an ALU is not designed or permitted to be rented as a separate residence.
Homeowners often use an ALU for:
Multi-generational living
A private suite for parents or adult children
Guest accommodations
A home office or studio
Recreation or hobby space
Long-term personal living needs
Because an ALU is intended for personal use rather than rental income, the zoning and permitting requirements are often different from those for an ADU.
Learn More Homeowners often use an ALU for:
Multi-generational living
A private suite for parents or adult children
Guest accommodations
A home office or studio
Recreation or hobby space
Long-term personal living needs
Because an ALU is intended for personal use rather than rental income, the zoning and permitting requirements are often different from those for an ADU.
Accessory Living Unit vs. Accessory Dwelling Unit
Although the names sound similar, an Accessory Living Unit and an Accessory Dwelling Unit are not the same.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is typically a fully independent residence that may be allowed to be rented, depending on local regulations.
An Accessory Living Unit (ALU), on the other hand, is intended solely for the homeowner's or family's personal use and is not rented to tenants.
Because of these differences, each type of project is governed by different zoning regulations and building requirements. Choosing the right option from the beginning can help avoid delays, redesigns, and unexpected costs.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is typically a fully independent residence that may be allowed to be rented, depending on local regulations.
An Accessory Living Unit (ALU), on the other hand, is intended solely for the homeowner's or family's personal use and is not rented to tenants.
Because of these differences, each type of project is governed by different zoning regulations and building requirements. Choosing the right option from the beginning can help avoid delays, redesigns, and unexpected costs.
Can Your Property Have an Accessory Living Unit?
This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask.
The answer depends on your property's zoning and local building regulations.
In many communities:
Not every property qualifies for an ADU.
Many more properties may qualify for an Accessory Living Unit.
Lot size, setbacks, building coverage, parking requirements, and local zoning regulations all play a role in determining what is allowed.
Every property is unique, which is why researching your zoning before investing in design plans is an important first step.
Learn More The answer depends on your property's zoning and local building regulations.
In many communities:
Not every property qualifies for an ADU.
Many more properties may qualify for an Accessory Living Unit.
Lot size, setbacks, building coverage, parking requirements, and local zoning regulations all play a role in determining what is allowed.
Every property is unique, which is why researching your zoning before investing in design plans is an important first step.
Feasibility Study & Zoning Research
If you're unsure what your property allows, ArcDesign can help.
We offer a Feasibility Study that researches your property's zoning requirements and helps determine what type of addition or living space may be permitted.
Our feasibility services can include:
If you prefer, you may also contact your local zoning department directly. However, many homeowners choose to have our experienced team perform the research and explain the requirements in clear, easy-to-understand language.
Free Consultation We offer a Feasibility Study that researches your property's zoning requirements and helps determine what type of addition or living space may be permitted.
Our feasibility services can include:
- Zoning and land-use research
- Reviewing setback and lot coverage requirements
- Identifying potential building restrictions
- Determining whether an ALU or ADU may be allowed
- Guidance before investing in construction drawings
If you prefer, you may also contact your local zoning department directly. However, many homeowners choose to have our experienced team perform the research and explain the requirements in clear, easy-to-understand language.
Custom Accessory Living Unit Plans
Every family has different needs, which is why every Accessory Living Unit we design is customized for your home and lifestyle.
Our permit-ready plans are created to help:
Whether you're converting existing space or planning a new addition, we work with you from concept through permit-ready drawings.
Learn More Our permit-ready plans are created to help:
- Maximize available space
- Blend seamlessly with your existing home
- Meet local building requirements
- Provide clear construction drawings for your builder
- Reduce permit delays by submitting complete documentation
Whether you're converting existing space or planning a new addition, we work with you from concept through permit-ready drawings.
Why Choose ArcDesign
- over 2000Clients assisted with their home projects
- 9Years in a row BEST OF HOUZZ service
- 20Years in business
Best of Houzz 2022
Our Clients Love Our Work!
Our favorite customers share their impressions.
Got one? Leave a review!
Got one? Leave a review!
Our Clients Love What We Do
- We had such a great experience working with ArcDesign. From consult to final plan, it was seamless and timely. We couldn't have asked for a better team. They were patient with us, advised us, and are excellent communicators. We are so pleased with ArcDesign and will contact again, should the need arise. ArcDesign, Thank you so much. We look forward to the next steps and for you to see the final result.R.M.Review from Houzz.com
- I have worked with ArcDesign on two home renovation projects; ranging from a master bathroom/closet addition to an extensive major home remodel. They have been wonderful to work with! Everyone in their office is professional, easy to communicate with, and architecturally talented! They are always quick to respond to any questions or requests, and truly care about bringing our vision to life exactly as we want it. Ben meticulously designed our dream home. His attention to detail and our desires really showed during the entire process. We highly recommend them!A.H.Review from Houzz.com
- I was very impressed with Arc Design. Randy worked with me till we got everything that I wanted in the plan for my mother-in-law apartment. He was very patient and listened to everything that I said and all of my ideas and it turned out exactly how I wanted it. He had great ideas that I didn't think of and I am looking forward to the build. I highly recommend this firm.A.B.Google Review
- The team at ArcDesign has done a wonderful job for us. Right from the start and through out the process they were very responsive. We are very happy with the job they did for us and would not hesitate to hire them again for another project.P.Review from Houzz.com
Design an Accessory Living Unit That Fits Your Home
Adding an Accessory Living Unit is about creating space that improves the way you live today while giving your home greater flexibility for the future. Whether you're planning a private suite for family, a dedicated home office, or additional living space that blends seamlessly with your existing home, thoughtful planning makes all the difference.
Every successful project begins with understanding what your property allows. Taking the time to research zoning requirements, evaluate your options, and create accurate permit drawings can help prevent costly changes later in the process. That's why many homeowners begin with a feasibility study before moving into the design phase.
At ArcDesign, we guide you through every step—from determining what's possible on your property to creating custom, permit-ready plans that builders can confidently follow. Our goal is to make the process straightforward, eliminate uncertainty, and help you create an Accessory Living Unit that is both beautiful and functional for years to come.
If you're considering an Accessory Living Unit, we're ready to help you explore your options and develop a design that fits your home, your family, and your long-term goals.
Every successful project begins with understanding what your property allows. Taking the time to research zoning requirements, evaluate your options, and create accurate permit drawings can help prevent costly changes later in the process. That's why many homeowners begin with a feasibility study before moving into the design phase.
At ArcDesign, we guide you through every step—from determining what's possible on your property to creating custom, permit-ready plans that builders can confidently follow. Our goal is to make the process straightforward, eliminate uncertainty, and help you create an Accessory Living Unit that is both beautiful and functional for years to come.
If you're considering an Accessory Living Unit, we're ready to help you explore your options and develop a design that fits your home, your family, and your long-term goals.
