New York has opened a new path for adding housing in places that have long remained unchanged. Accessory dwelling units can now take shape in backyards, basements, attics, and small additions across one and two-family homes, bringing new living space without remaking entire neighborhoods.

The launch of the ADU for You platform makes that shift usable. Developed by WXY with the Mayor’s Office, the Department of Buildings, and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the platform brings together a guidebook and a set of digital tools that help homeowners understand what is possible and how to move forward.

The experience begins with an address. An eligibility lookup tool allows homeowners to see what types of ADUs may be permitted on their property, translating zoning and building code into a clear starting point. From there, an interactive map allows users to test-fit designs on their lot, rendering abstract rules about setbacks and access into something spatial and immediate.

A pre-approved plan library offers another way in. It includes detached designs that have already been reviewed by the Department of Buildings, complete with floor plans, materials, and estimated costs. Homeowners can use these as a starting point, reducing the time and uncertainty typically associated with approvals. A budgeting tool runs alongside, helping users understand construction costs, financing options, and potential rental income before committing to a path.

The guidebook connects these pieces, walking through permitting, design, and construction in clear language. Together, the platform conveys a broader idea of how housing policy succeeds. It is not exclusively defined by what is allowed, but by how clearly people can act on it.

What emerges is a different model for growth. One that builds capacity within existing neighborhoods, formed by many small decisions that add up over time.

Explore the ADU for You website.