HousingAnchorage · April 29, 2026
free adu plans just dropped
Anchorage just handed homeowners a free head start on adding a rental unit to their property.
Daily Alaska staff · April 29, 2026 · Anchorage
The Municipality of Anchorage released two pre-approved accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, designs that homeowners can download for free as part of an effort to speed up backyard rental construction. One design, called The Williwaw, is an 811 square foot one-bedroom unit built over a two-car garage. The second is a 460 square foot one-bedroom cottage. Both plans are already stamped and ready for permit applications.
The free plans eliminate architect and design costs that can run into five figures before construction even starts, lowering the cost barrier for homeowners who want to add a rental unit on their property.
The city is working with the University of Alaska Anchorage's engineering program to develop additional pre-approved designs.
Anchorage permitted 42 ADUs last year, more than double the decade average. City officials point to that pace as part of the path toward a stated goal of adding 10,000 new homes over the next ten years.
In this story
Questions people ask
What free ADU designs did Anchorage release?
Two: an 811 square foot one-bedroom called The Williwaw that sits over a two-car garage, and a 460 square foot one-bedroom cottage. Both are pre-stamped and ready to apply for permits.
How much do the ADU plans cost?
Nothing. They're free and already stamped, which saves homeowners thousands in architect and design fees before construction even starts.
Is Anchorage making more designs?
Yes. The city is working with UAA's engineering program to develop additional designs.
Evidence
Sources
Claims and where they come from
- Anchorage released two pre-approved ADU designs available for free download, an 811 square foot unit over a two-car garage and a 460 square foot cottage. · adn.com
- Anchorage permitted 42 ADUs last year, more than double the decade average. · adn.com
- The city is working with UAA's engineering program to roll out more pre-approved ADU designs. · adn.com
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