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6 A historic form of housing Although there is a recent resurgence of interest in ADUs, they are actually a historic form of housing that was common in the Twin Cities before World War II. For example, in the Frogtown neighborhood of St. Paul, new immigrants would commonly build an alley house in the back of their lot while saving to build a larger home in the front (McClure 2018). Many carriage houses (living quarters located above garages) were built alongside larger homes and are still used for housing today. Some modest single-family homes included attic or basement apartments that helped to house larger city populations in the early- and mid-20th century. How are ADUs different from duplexes? While they share some similarities, ADUs are generally differentiated from duplexes (two-family houses) in their size, construction timing and use. City building and zoning laws often treat the two housing forms differently. • An ADU is smaller than the main home. Units in duplexes are usually about the same size. • Duplexes are usually in the same building, but ADUs can be located within, attached to or detached from the main home. • Duplexes are usually built as one construction process; ADUs are often built after the main home is completed. • ADUs are designed as flexible housing and can generate rental income, house multigenerational families or serve other uses. Could a tiny house be an ADU? Most tiny houses on the market are set on trailers and have wheels. These are categorized as Recreational Vehicles (RVs) and are usually not allowed as a permanent living space. However, if a tiny house meets residential building standards, is placed on a permanent foundation and is connected to utilities, it could be considered an ADU. Ask your city’s building department to learn more. 1 Jane McClure, “Alley House,” Saint Paul Historical, accessed August 9, 2018 Coach house at Minnesota Governor’s Residence. PHOTO CREDIT Minnesota Department of Administration