Workshops
Workshop 1 - ADU Benefits and Basics
The City of Houston Planning & Development Department, funded by a 2021 Community Challenge Grant from AARP, is hosting a series of virtual workshops focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
This free workshop featured Kol Peterson, author of “Backdoor Revolution: The Definitive Guide to ADU Development” and renowned accessory dwelling unit advocate, teacher, and developer. This workshop is perfect for a homeowner considering whether to build an ADU.
Watch the Benefits and Basics Workshop video.
ADUs, also referred to as garage apartments, mother-in-law cottages and granny flats, are above the garage or detached, free-standing units on single-family lots. ADUs provide another housing choice for Houstonians in neighborhoods where deed restrictions allow and can be great solutions allowing people to age in place or provide housing for caregivers, young couples and empty nesters.
Workshop 2 - How to ADU | HOU
Learn the Steps to Build an ADU
The City of Houston Planning & Development Department, funded by a 2021 Community Challenge Grant from AARP, is hosting a series of virtual workshops focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
The second workshop goes more in depth into the steps necessary to build an ADU. Speakers from Rice University, City of Houston Public Works Department and ADU builders and developers will speak on design principles, selecting an architect, how to walk through the permitting process, as well as respond to questions asked at Workshop 1 - Benefits and Basics.
ADUs, also referred to as garage apartments, mother-in-law cottages and granny flats, are above the garage or detached, free-standing units on single-family lots. ADUs provide another housing choice for Houstonians in neighborhoods where deed restrictions allow and can be great solutions allowing people to age in place or provide housing for caregivers, young couples and empty nesters.
Panelists:
Michael G. Howard, Deputy Building Official, Deputy Assistant Director, Code Development, Houston Permitting Center
Dr. Kathlie S. Jeng-Bulloch, P.E., D.WRE, CFM, Managing Engineer, City of Houston, Houston Public Works
Byron King, Deputy Building Official, City of Houston, Houston Public Works
Danny M. Samuels, FAIA, Co-Director, Rice Architecture Construct, Professor in Practice, Rice University, Partner, Taft Architects
Michael Shelton, Harvard Heights
Victor E. Vincent, Inspections & Compliance, Chief Inspector, Customer Account Services
A special thank you to Andrew Colopy, Associate Professor, Rice Architecture, Co-Director, Construct Partner, Cobalt Office and J. April Ward, Assistant Professor, Prairie View A&M University, School of Architecture for their contributions to the ADU conversation in preparation for this workshop.
Workshop 3 - Costs and Financing
The third workshop discusses costs and financing ADUs. In this workshop, speakers discuss various types of financing options that are available, financing institutions explain products, Harris County Appraisal District discuss valuations, and Houston's Financial Empowerment Center explains free City services to help you save money.
Speakers:
- Jose Diaz, Houston Financial Empowerment Center
- Omar Enriquez, Amegy Bank
- Noemi Flores, Houston Financial Empowerment Center
- Miranda Koopman, Frost Bank
- Mabel Menefee, Harris County Appraisal District
- Chris Reyes, Prime Lending
- Khari Small, Harris County Appraisal District