Graduate Capstones and Terminal Projects

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Browsing Graduate Capstones and Terminal Projects by Subject "Accessory dwelling unit"

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    Developing Sustainable ADU Guidelines for San Jose, CA
    (2019-06-18) Stagi, Shelby
    Many US cities are experiencing exceptionally high housing costs and housing shortages, this is especially true in California, where housing costs greatly exceed those of the rest of the nation. State law-makers and municipalities are looking for ways to quickly improve the housing crisis. A promising strategy for affordable housing can be found in low-density single family neighborhoods; Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) offer the opportunity to increase housing options, without greatly affecting city character and existing infrastructure. This project explores the potential of ADUs as a strategy for sustainable growth in municipal density at multiple scales. Currently ADUs are seen as sustainable options simply because of their smaller footprint, but little research has been done to further develop responsible ecologically and socially driven housing opportunities. This project addresses the need for density while striving for comfortable spaces that meet the needs of residents as well as addressing the city’s goals for sustainability. This project identifies barriers that prevent widespread implementation of ADUs in San Jose, California through analysis of case studies of municipal policy and surveys. Site scale designs and performance analysis demonstrate that sustainable ADU design can be added to residential lots while improving environmental performance through on-site stormwater treatment, energy savings, and a balance between privacy and communal space. Policy recommendations further explore options to address these concerns and mitigate potential negative impacts. This project shows that sustainable ADU models can address many concerns about densification and identifies challenges and benefits for homeowners.