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‍What Is an ADU and Why Is NYC Changing the Rules?

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An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit on a residential lot — think of it as a small apartment added to your existing home or backyard. Previously restricted by outdated zoning codes, ADUs are now being embraced as a flexible solution to boost housing supply without massive redevelopment.

Previously restricted under outdated zoning rules, ADUs are now being embraced as a low-impact, hig to New York City’s mounting housing crisis. Instead of waiting years for high-rise construction, NYC is opening the door to small, legal housing additions on existing residential lots.

Under the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity initiative — passed by the NYC Council in December 2024 and taking effect June 16, 2025 — eligible homeowners can now build ADUs with clearer, more flexible rules:

• One ADU per single- or two-family home
• Typically limited to one story
• Suggested size up to 800 sqft, subject to zoning and lot dimensions
• Must not cover more than 33% of the rear yard
• Must be located outside high-risk flood zones (especially for basement ADUs)
• Some low-density and landmark districts may have restrictions

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Why Flex Series Makes the Ideal ADU

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Xhome’s Flex Series homes — including the F600 IndusPod, F600 Aura and F600 Classic— are compact, fully factory-built units that can be installed on-site within just 4 hours. Designed with urban flexibility and compliance in mind, they are ideal candidates for NYC’s new ADU zoning law.

Key Benefits of the Flex Series for ADU Use:

• Pre-fabricated and permit-ready: Built to meet HUD and local standards
• 120 sqft expandable options: Add a sunroom, study, or mini guest suite
• Durable & disaster-resistant: Light steel structure, hurricane and fire resistant
• Energy-efficient: Optional solar + battery backup available
• Plug-and-play design: Includes smart lighting, automated climate control, and appliance-ready interiors
• Zero on-site mess: No major construction disruption for your neighborhood

Whether you’re housing a family member, creating a rental unit for extra income, or future-proofing your home’s value — Flex gives you a smart, fast path forward.

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Can One Small Unit Solve a Big Housing Problem?

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It’s a fair question — but in housing, small changes can scale big. NYC has over 700,000 single-family or two-family homes, and if even a fraction of these homeowners add ADUs, the city could gain tens of thousands of new homes without changing its skyline.

Unlike high-rise developments, ADUs don’t require years of planning or billions in investment. They work like patchwork enhancements — decentralized, affordable, and homeowner-driven.

Think of Flex not as a tiny home, but as a big idea. One that can live in your backyard, help your aging parents, support your kids as they gain independence, or generate passive income to ease your mortgage burden.

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Start Your NYC ADU Project with Xhome

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At Xhome, we believe in housing reimagined — combining AI-driven design, robotic manufacturing, and intelligent construction logistics to make high-quality homes accessible.

We’re proud to support New York homeowners as the new ADU law goes live on June 16, 2025. Whether you want a compact F600 studio, a guest unit with rooftop patio, or a backyard home office, we’ve got you covered.

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Contact our team for a free site evaluation and learn how the Flex Series can be customized to your property and NYC’s new rules.

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_Sources:

_{https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-mayor-adams-and-council-speaker-adams-celebrate-passage-most-pro-housing?utm_source=chatgpt.com}

_{https://www.nyc.gov/assets/bronxcb11/downloads/pdf/meetings/agendas/2025/04/housing_addendum.pdf}

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