New York City homeowners can apply to build a backyard tiny home

"It's open season for some New York City homeowners interested in building a tiny home in their backyard. Under a sweeping zoning reform Mayor Eric Adams signed into law late last year, the city made it legal for certain one- and two-family homeowners to add an additional home, also known as an "ancillary dwelling unit" or ADU, to their property."

"On September 30, 2025, the city finalized its rules for backyard and attic ADUs and began accepting applications from homeowners, although the government is still working on the rules for basement units. The city estimates that the reform - part of its City of Yes for Housing Opportunity package - will help create about 25,000 new homes in backyard cottages and converted garages, attics, and basements over the next 15 years."

"Wil Fisher has spent the last year preparing for this. The former city government employee founded a Queens-based firm, Unit Two Development, that helps homeowners determine whether their property is eligible for an ADU and connects them with contractors and others who can help them build one. Fisher said he and his team have identified well over 100,000 eligible individual properties, and they've talked with more than 100 of these homeowners, who largely live in Queens and Staten Island."

New York City legalized accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for certain one- and two-family homeowners, allowing backyard cottages and converted garages, attics, and basements as additional homes. Rules for backyard and attic ADUs were finalized on September 30, 2025, and applications began being accepted, while basement regulations remain pending. The City of Yes for Housing Opportunity package projects roughly 25,000 new homes over 15 years. Implementation faces challenges from high construction costs and regulatory hurdles. A Queens-based firm, Unit Two Development, identified over 100,000 eligible properties and has engaged more than 100 interested homeowners.

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