Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Since 2007, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — often referred to as backyard cottages or granny flats — have been allowed in Coeur d’Alene. ADUs offer flexible, smaller-scale housing options on existing single-family lots and help increase overall housing supply without significantly changing neighborhood density patterns. The ADU code has since been updated twice to allow more flexibility, once in 2019, and again in 2021.

Zoning Tools & Opportunities

The City’s zoning code already supports a wide variety of housing types across multiple districts:

• R-8 and R-12 residential zones allow duplexes
• R-17 allows multifamily housing, including apartments, condominiums, and townhomes
• Downtown Core (DC) and the Downtown Overlay Districts (DO-N – Northside and DO-E – Eastside) plus the Midtown Overlay (M-O) encourage diverse infill housing types with urban design standards
• C-17 and C-17 L commercial zones permit single-family, multifamily, and mixed-use residential development
• Smaller commercial districts allow mixed-use projects with residential components
• Many Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) incorporate twin homes, townhomes, cottage homes, and ADUs

The City continues to explore emerging housing trends with a focus on quality design and neighborhood compatibility.

Free, Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) approved plans, sponsored by Housing Solutions Partnership are now available.  Kootenai County has a shortage of housing for local workers. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — also known as granny flats, in-law suites, backyard cottages and Accessory Living Units (ALUs) — offer a practical solution to help address these challenges.

Click here to view the four plan sets available that have been reviewed by building department heads and planners from local municipalities. These plans are FREE for use in Kootenai County, Idaho.