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ADU Resources

If you own and live in a one- or two-family home in a historic district, you may be eligible to create an ADU on your property. An Ancillary Dwelling Unit (ADU), also known as an Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a small building on the same lot as your main house, like a backyard cottage, attic or basement apartment, garage conversion, or attached addition.

ADUs can offer benefits to homeowners, such as making room for extended family members or generating extra rental income.

Interested in learning more? Check out the helpful links below for more information.


LPC Is Here to Help

ADU Fact Sheet: This fact sheet contains helpful information for property owners in historic districts considering adding an ADU to their property, including details about the types of ADUs that you can build in a historic district.

ADU Map tool screenshot
ADU Eligibility Map

Look Up Your Property: LPC’s new map tool, ADU Eligibility in Historic Districts, can help you get started determining if your property may be eligible for an ADU.  It shows tax lots within Historic Districts and their potential eligibility for an Ancillary Dwelling Unit (ADU).

LPC’s ADU Help Desk: LPC has a dedicated team of staff available to help you consider plans to create an ADU on your historic property. If you would like to speak with LPC staff about a potential ADU, please call 646-202-3938 or email ADU@lpc.nyc.gov.


Other City Resources

ADU for You: A new city resource from the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development designed to guide owners through the process of creating an ADU. ADU for You features tools that help owners determine their property’s eligibility and understand the process of planning, permitting, budgeting for, and constructing an ADU.

  • ADU for You has live technical assistance. You can reach out directly to them at aduforyou@neighborhoodrestore.org or call the ADU Technical Assistance Phone Number: (212) 584-8981 ex. 12

NYC Department of Buildings website: contains helpful information on how to file ADU plans with DOB.