free adu plans just dropped

Anchorage just handed out free blueprints for backyard rental income.

The city released two pre-approved ADU designs that anyone can download and build from. One's an 811 square foot unit that sits over a two-car garage, the other's a cozy 460 square foot cottage. Both come with the plans already stamped and ready to pull permits.

That's a huge deal because architect fees on a project like this can run five figures before you even break ground. Now that's zero. The city is working with UAA's engineering program to roll out more designs.

Anchorage permitted 42 ADUs last year, more than double the decade average. That math makes sense when you look at our goal of 10,000 new homes in ten years.

A legal rental unit in your backyard can cover your mortgage or pay for the kids' activities if you play it right.