Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Portal

What is an ADU?


An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is also known as an “accessory apartment”, “granny flat”, or “in-law apartment”. It is a separate living space within a house or on the same property as an existing house. An ADU is an independent living space – it is self-contained, with its own kitchen or kitchenette, bathroom, and living/sleeping area. These units aren’t legal unless they have been established through a permit process.

In accordance with Jericho’s Zoning Bylaws (updated January 2022), accessory apartments are permitted use in all zoning districts. The ADU must be located on the same lot as the principal single household dwelling and be subordinate to it in terms of size, location, and appearance – specifically, not more than 50% of the total habitable floor area of the primary dwelling or 1,300 square feet, whichever is greater.



Why an ADU?

- Age in place.

- Have a smaller home to downsize to.

- Create housing for an elder or a dependent.

- Generate rental income.

- Have options!

It is a nice lifestyle. We've had many fine people, guests and family members stay there through the years. We rented it the first ten years we had it which permitted us to pay off the mortgage early. – Jericho resident

Want to connect with neighbors who have been through this process?

Contact Sarahjane Dube, Chair of Jericho’s Affordable Housing Committee to put you in contact with another Jericho resident who has constructed and rented an ADU. AHC@jerichoVT.gov

What is an ADU?


An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is also known as an “accessory apartment”, “granny flat”, or “in-law apartment”. It is a separate living space within a house or on the same property as an existing house. An ADU is an independent living space – it is self-contained, with its own kitchen or kitchenette, bathroom, and living/sleeping area. These units aren’t legal unless they have been established through a permit process.

In accordance with Jericho’s Zoning Bylaws (updated January 2022), accessory apartments are permitted use in all zoning districts. The ADU must be located on the same lot as the principal single household dwelling and be subordinate to it in terms of size, location, and appearance – specifically, not more than 50% of the total habitable floor area of the primary dwelling or 1,300 square feet, whichever is greater.



Why an ADU?

- Age in place.

- Have a smaller home to downsize to.

- Create housing for an elder or a dependent.

- Generate rental income.

- Have options!

It is a nice lifestyle. We've had many fine people, guests and family members stay there through the years. We rented it the first ten years we had it which permitted us to pay off the mortgage early. – Jericho resident

Want to connect with neighbors who have been through this process?

Contact Sarahjane Dube, Chair of Jericho’s Affordable Housing Committee to put you in contact with another Jericho resident who has constructed and rented an ADU. AHC@jerichoVT.gov

  • Accessory Apartments in Hinesburg VT


  • Jericho ADU Survey Summary

    Jericho's Affordable Housing Committee conducted a survey of Jericho residents in 2021 to understand how ADUs serve our community today and how we can make them a more accessible option in the future. we asked Jericho ADU owners and renters to complete a brief survey. This is what we found.

    Our survey was completed by 10 owners and 2 renters; representing roughly 15% of ADUs in Jericho. The survey data indicates ADUs in Jericho are primarily:

    • intended for long-term rental and/or family use,
    • 1-bedroom apartments,
    • attached to or within the primary dwelling, and
    • rented by adult-only households (rather than families with children)
    • for less than $1000/mos

    This is substantially below what market rents would be for this area. Fair market rent for Jericho is $1,265 as determined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

    While the expense of construction can be a barrier to adding an ADU, most of the owners that completed our survey reported the ADU existed at time of purchase (or had been included in initial construction). The more substantial barriers were navigating permitting and interactions with town officials or the unknown of being a first-time landlord (for example, how to identify good tenants).

    NONE of the owners recommended against ADUs. Owners cited additional income and family need as their primary reasons for having an ADU. This endorsement speaks to the feasibility of ADUs, despite the barriers identified. Both renters strongly recommended ADUs as an affordable way to live in Jericho (both have been residents for multiple years).

    Our survey supports the notion that ADUs are one way Jericho can attract new residents to our community with affordable housing and have current residents benefit from additional income or the flexibility of multi-generational living. It also suggests that there are already ADUs in Jericho that are not being rented, but would be if:

    1. Permitting, regulations, and town officials were easier to navigate and access
    2. Resources and answers to frequently asked questions were centralized
    3. Residents could be connected with neighbors who currently rent an ADU to share their experiences first-hand
Page last updated: 10 Mar 2023, 04:58 PM