ADU Development
Ancillary Dwelling Units
New York City's new zoning rules make it possible to add a legal, income-generating home to your property. Empire Properties Partners guides homeowners through every step.
What is an ADU?
An Ancillary Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a self-contained home built on the same lot as a one- or two-family residence. It has its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance — and measures no more than 800 square feet.
Thanks to New York City's City of Yes for Housing Opportunity zoning amendment, adopted in December 2024, homeowners across the five boroughs can now add a legal ADU to their property — creating rental income, multigenerational living space, or long-term property value.
800 SF.
Maximum ADU Size
25,000.
ADUs Expected Citywide
1 ADU.
Allowed Per 1–2 Family Home
Types of ADUs
NYC allows several ADU configurations depending on your property and goals.
Detached ADU
A separate structure in your rear yard — new construction or a converted garage. Offers the most privacy and flexibility for both owner and tenant.
Attached ADU
An addition connected to your main home, extending into the side or rear yard. Shares a wall with the primary structure but functions as a fully independent unit.
Attic ADU
A dwelling unit created within your existing attic space. No change to the building footprint — requires minimum 7-foot ceiling height over habitable areas.
Basement or Cellar ADU
An apartment below the first floor. Must meet strict safety requirements for ceiling height, light, ventilation, egress, and fire protection.
Why build an ADU?
Generate Rental Income
Create a legal rental unit on your property to produce supplemental monthly income.
Multigenerational Living
House aging parents or adult children nearby while maintaining privacy for everyone.
Age in Place
Downsize into a smaller, accessible home on your own property while staying in your neighborhood.
Increase Property Value
An ADU adds long-term value and makes better use of your existing zoning lot.
The ADU process
From eligibility check to Certificate of Occupancy, Empire Properties Partners manages the full development cycle.
01
Check Eligibility
We assess your property's zoning district, flood risk area, lot size, and existing conditions to confirm what ADU types are permitted.
02
Design & Permitting
Our team coordinates with licensed architects and engineers to prepare plans — including pre-approved designs from the NYC DOB Plan Library when applicable.
03
Construction
We manage the full build: demolition, foundation, framing, MEP systems, insulation, and interior finishes — on schedule and on budget.
04
Certificate of Occupancy
We coordinate all required DOB, FDNY, and DEP inspections and secure your Certificate of Occupancy so the unit is legally habitable.
Key eligibility rules
ADU eligibility depends on your property's zoning, flood risk, and existing conditions. Here are the core requirements under NYC's updated zoning resolution.
Source: NYC HPD ADU Guidebook
- Property must be a one- or two-family residence
- Maximum ADU size: 800 square feet
- ADU must be at least 5 feet from rear and side lot lines
- Minimum 10-foot separation between primary home and detached ADU
- Detached ADU cannot exceed one-third of the required rear yard area
- Basement and rear-yard ADUs not permitted in flood hazard zones
- Owner must occupy either the main home or the ADU as primary residence
- Rear-yard ADUs restricted in R1-2A, R2A, and R3A districts outside the Greater Transit Zone
Financing your ADU
The City's Plus One ADU Program offers capital loans and grants for eligible homeowners, with interest rates as low as 0% for qualifying borrowers. Additional options include home equity loans, HELOCs, construction loans, and cash-out refinancing.
Plus One ADU Program
HPD loans up to 15–30 years, rates as low as 0% for income-eligible homeowners
Home Equity Loan / HELOC
Borrow against your home's existing equity with fixed or flexible repayment terms
Construction Loan
Short-term financing that covers build costs, often converting to a standard mortgage at completion
Ready to add an ADU to your property?
Our team has the development expertise to take your project from eligibility check to Certificate of Occupancy.