Boulder City officials are taking significant steps to enhance affordable housing options through the promotion of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). During the recent Housing Advisory Board meeting on July 25, 2025, discussions highlighted the positive impact of ADUs on the local rental market, particularly in providing naturally occurring affordable housing.

Board members noted that a previous survey of ADU owners revealed that rents for these units are typically set at around 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), making them more affordable compared to traditional market rates. However, the city currently lacks ongoing data to fully capture the contribution of ADUs to the housing landscape. This gap in data collection was acknowledged as a barrier to understanding the full impact of ADUs on housing availability.

The meeting also revisited the success of recent regulatory changes made in 2018, which have led to a significant increase in ADU construction. In fact, the number of ADUs built in the four years following the changes surpassed the total built in the previous 40 years. Board members expressed optimism that the latest updates to ADU regulations would further boost this trend, especially as market dynamics shift with new state legislation affecting homeownership.

As Boulder City continues to explore ways to address housing challenges, the emphasis on ADUs represents a proactive approach to creating more affordable rental options. The board plans to incorporate updated statistics on ADU development in future communications to the city council, reinforcing the importance of these units in the broader housing strategy. The ongoing monitoring and analysis of ADUs will be crucial as the city seeks to enhance its housing policies and ensure that affordable options remain accessible to residents.