Cash Prizes Offered in San Antonio's Initiative to Promote Backyard Casitas

San Antonio city officials are taking innovative steps to address the shortage of affordable housing by encouraging the construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in residential areas. Also known as casitas, guest houses, or in-law apartments, ADUs are small structures located in backyards or attached to existing homes. The city believes that promoting ADUs can help bridge the housing gap and provide flexible living options for both young and elderly residents.

ADUs have long been part of San Antonio's urban landscape, but zoning regulations in the mid-20th century made it challenging to build new units. To address the current housing shortage, the city is now striving to increase the supply of ADUs and offer more affordable housing solutions.

The primary advantage of ADUs lies in their potential to diversify housing options and generate extra income for homeowners. For instance, elderly homeowners can move into the casita in their backyard and rent out the main house, helping them cover living expenses while aging in place.

Calling all makers! A City design competition, open until Sept15 w/cash prizes, imagines how Accessory Dwelling Units help the community. These affordable units can be a revenue stream or help adults age in place. Competition details at https://t.co/cczRXtY8Vr. #AffordableHousing pic.twitter.com/pcZk7lg9P2

— City of San Antonio (@COSAGOV) July 28, 2023

The city has eased zoning rules to make it easier for homeowners to construct ADUs, and they are providing incentives to spur interest. One such initiative is the design competition in partnership with Able City, an architectural and urban design firm in San Antonio. The competition encourages creatives of all ages to imagine and design innovative ADUs that fit the needs of the community.

The design competition booklet, available on SA.gov/ADU, provides prompts for participants to respond to, including their intentions to restore existing casitas or build new ones, who would live in the ADU, the number of rooms, and the desired features. Participants can also submit floor plans and exterior renderings along with their entries.

The competition will be judged by a panel of design professionals, and prizes will be awarded in various categories, including Most Innovative Design, Most Cohesive Story, Most Accessible Design, Best Student Entry, Best Design Professional Entry, and Best Older Adult Entry. Cash prizes of up to $500 will be granted to winners in these categories.

The deadline for submissions is September 15, and the winners will be announced on October 26. Individuals and groups are encouraged to participate and contribute to the city's efforts to promote affordable housing solutions through ADUs.

For more information or questions about the competition, interested participants can contact the city at 210-912-5929 or email adu@able.city. The city hopes that this initiative will inspire creativity and bring forth innovative designs that can contribute to a more affordable and sustainable housing landscape in San Antonio.