New York City is embracing a creative solution to its housing shortage, and it starts in the backyards and basements of ordinary homeowners. Imagine turning an unused garage or a slice of your backyard into a small cottage for a relative, a caregiver, or a tenant. That’s the idea behind Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and with the city’s new “ADU for You” program, it’s about to become easier than ever to build one.

The program, led by the Department of Buildings (DOB), introduces a new system of pre-approved ADU plans designed to make the permitting process faster, simpler, and more affordable. Haven was invited to participate in this citywide initiative, and our team is collaborating with DOB to develop a studio-sized backyard ADU that will soon be available to homeowners across the five boroughs.

Since our founding, we have focused on streamlining design and construction and bringing transparency to an industry that often feels opaque. The upcoming Pre-Approved Plan Library (PAPL) represents an important step toward making good design accessible, clear, and achievable for every homeowner ready to expand their living space.

Why ADUs Are a Big Deal for NYC

Across the country, Accessory Dwelling Units are transforming how cities think about housing. These small, self-contained homes, sometimes called “granny flats” or “backyard cottages,” are built on the same property as an existing home. Each unit includes a kitchen, bathroom, and separate entrance, making it a fully independent living space.

In New York, where space is limited and housing costs are high, ADUs offer a flexible and sustainable way to increase housing supply without altering the character of residential neighborhoods. Homeowners can:

• Generate rental income to help offset mortgages and other expenses.

• Provide housing for family members while maintaining privacy and independence.

• Increase property value through a legal, long-term improvement.

• Support aging in place or create flexible living arrangements for caregivers, guests, or young adults.
  
  

Until now, the challenge has been navigating the complex permitting and design process. Even outside New York City, building an ADU requires coordination among architects, contractors, and permitting authorities. In NYC, those steps are more intricate, with additional layers of approval. The Department of Buildings recognized that homeowners needed a simpler path, and the ADU for You initiative is designed to provide it.

What Is the “ADU for You” Program?

The ADU for You program helps homeowners build safe, legal ADUs through clear guidance, approved designs, and expert support. Its goal is to simplify the process from start to finish, so that more New Yorkers can take advantage of this new housing opportunity.

At the heart of the program is the Pre-Approved Plan Library (PAPL), a collection of architect-designed ADU plans reviewed by DOB for compliance with building and zoning codes. Homeowners will be able to browse these plans online, choose one that fits their property, and move directly into permitting with fewer revisions.

In New York, the design and approval phase has traditionally been the hardest part of any project. Each drawing must meet requirements for fire safety, structural integrity, zoning limits, and accessibility. By pre-vetting a series of designs, the city is eliminating much of that complexity. Homeowners will be able to move forward with greater certainty about what they can build and how long it will take.

What Features Will the Pre-Approved Plan Library Include?

When launched, the Pre-Approved Plan Library will serve as a digital catalog of ready-to-build ADU designs that have been reviewed and conditionally approved by DOB. Each plan will include:

• Visual previews such as floor plans, renderings, and basic dimensions.

• Notes on code and zoning compliance, outlining which lot types and conditions each design works for.

• A rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost estimate to help homeowners plan their budget.

• Architect or engineer contact details, so homeowners can connect directly with the design professional for site-specific adjustments.

The first phase of the library will focus on backyard ADUs, both attached and detached, located in the rear yards of one- and two-family homes. DOB is currently reviewing the submitted designs, with public access expected in early 2026.

This resource will make it easier for homeowners to identify compliant, well-designed ADUs without having to start from scratch. It combines quality, safety, and transparency in a single tool, giving New Yorkers a clear path to expand their homes responsibly.

Haven’s Role: A Backyard ADU Designed for NYC Homes

Haven is proud to be one of the design teams contributing to the city’s Pre-Approved Plan Library. We are developing a studio-sized backyard ADU that is compatible with the majority of eligible NYC lots and reflects the realities of urban living.

Our design balances efficiency, privacy, and comfort within a compact footprint. It features:

• A flexible studio layout for living, dining, and sleeping.

• A full kitchen and bathroom that meet all code requirements for independent occupancy.

• Carefully placed windows and doors to protect privacy between the main house and the ADU.

• Optional sustainable upgrades such as energy-efficient systems or solar-ready infrastructure.
  
  

Each of our standard ADU designs is customizable. That means homeowners can adjust finishes, materials, and certain layout features to reflect personal preferences or site-specific needs while maintaining code compliance.

By contributing to the city’s program, Haven is helping to make ADUs more attainable and predictable to build. Once our plan is approved and added to the library, homeowners will be able to select it directly, collaborate with our team, and begin the permitting process with confidence.

Next Steps for Homeowners

If you’re thinking about adding an ADU to your property, here are three ways to begin:

1. Check Your Property’s Eligibility

Start by confirming whether your property qualifies. Use our free ADU Eligibility Tool at havenadus.com/nyc. Type your address, select one of the suggested results, and view a preliminary eligibility summary in seconds.These results are automatically generated and are not reviewed by a professional. For a complete understanding of your site’s potential, we recommend booking a consultation with one of our ADU experts.

2. Explore Your ADU Options

Consider which type of ADU suits your goals. Do you want to create a backyard unit as a rental or family space, or convert an existing basement or attic? If you plan to build new, browse Haven’s standard and customizable ADU designs created specifically for New York homeowners.

3. Connect with Our Team

Our experts are available to help you understand your options and plan your project. You can reach us through the live chat on our website, email info@havenco.io, or schedule a 20-minute online consultation. During this call, we’ll review your property, discuss design options, and outline a step-by-step approach to move your project forward.

Looking Ahead

The ADU for You initiative is an important milestone for New York homeowners. By introducing pre-approved designs and simplifying the approval process, the city is making it easier for people to invest in their properties and create much-needed housing.

At Haven, we look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Department of Buildings and supporting homeowners as they bring these small but impactful projects to life. To learn more or start your own ADU journey, visit havenadus.com/nyc and explore what’s possible for your home.