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Pre-Approved ADUs

The Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) program is launching in spring 2026 to make it easier for residents to build ADUs and add to Anchorage's housing stock to address the housing shortage crisis our community is facing. Through this program, you can select a plan (for free!) from a catalog of designs that have already been approved through the Municipality's permitting process.

Depending on your property, some other permits and reviews might be necessary, but the goal is to ease your way through the process to reduce the time needed to bring your ADU to completion.

What is an A​​DU?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (or ADU) is a separate unit on the same property as an existing dwelling that provides basic requirements for living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation. The unit may have a separate exterior entrance or an entrance to an internal common area accessible to the outside. ADUs can be attached, detached or internal to the main dwelling unit and are allowed in all residential zones in Anchorage and most residential zones in Chugiak-Eagle River​ and Girdwood. Learn more at the Municipality’s ADU Project Page. 

Where do I start?

We’ve created a checklist​​ to walk you through each step of the process. Here’s the overview of how it works:

• Identify the ADU design you would like to use
• Meet with staff to review your property to make sure you can build a detached ADU on your site and identify any special requirements for your property
• Your property may have special requirements for utilities, steep slopes, floodplains, etc. – but don’t worry, we’ll walk you through the process for those
• Complete the Building Permit Application and Hold Harmless Agreement and submit the package with your Plot Plan
  
• Obtain your construction permit and the ADU plan package
• Build your ADU
• Conduct inspections, resolve issues and receive a Certificate of Occupancy
• Enjoy your new ADU!
  

The Plans - More Designs Coming in Summer 2026

​The Williwaw: Garage + ADU

The Williwaw ADU is an 811 SF one-bedroom apartment over a 563 SF two-car garage and a 176 SF entryway. Includes an open concept kitchen and dining/living room, closet for washer and dryer, and a small office. View the floor plan: Williwaw Cover Sheet. Designed by: workshop AD

The Nearpoint: Small ADU

The Near Point ADU is a 460 SF one-bedroom unit with a vaulted kitchen/dining/living space.  A small flex room that could be a walk-in closet or a home office is adjacent to the bedroom. Tucked out of the line of site of the main living space is a good-sized bathroom.  In the entry, there is a bench to put on boots and plenty of space to hang wet outdoor gear near a stacked washer/dryer and easily accessed mechanical equipment. View the floor plan: Near Point Cover Sheet. Designed by: WILMWORKS

Documents

• MOA Pre-Approved ADU Checklist
  
• Hold Harmless Agreement 
  
• Building Permit Application
  
• Resources for Private Well or Septic
• Request a "Not for Construction" plan set​ for plot plans and cost estimates