ADUs just got easier

Anchorage just made building an ADU way easier.

This spring, the city is rolling out a free catalog of pre-approved ADU building plans to help homeowners build faster and cheaper. Instead of paying for custom designs and long reviews, people can pick a ready-to-go plan that already meets city code.

That cuts months off timelines and thousands off upfront costs, which is a big deal with construction prices still high. These units can be backyard cottages, garage apartments, or small standalone homes, depending on the lot.

The goal is simple. Add housing without waiting years for big developments to show up. For homeowners, it means rental income. For renters, it means more options in established neighborhoods.