Designing suites and second units

摘要

We think that attitudes about living closer together have shifted only recently. But 20 years ago, when submitting plans to convert my detached garage into a home office, I was introduced to the concept of second units. Knowing that density had become a concern in my town, I had taken my design to the planning department expecting that I would need to defend the garage conversion as not a separate living unit. I thought I was on safe ground because there was no kitchen in my design. To my surprise, however, the official who reviewed the plans noted that my project would make a great second residence and then asked if I would consider adding a kitchen to make it one. I was stunned.