Pennsylvania is not building enough housing, leading to significant increases in housing costs. From 2017 to 2023, Pennsylvania ranked 44th among the 50 states on rate of housing built. In the same period, the average rent in the 23 Pennsylvania counties tracked by Zillow’s rent estimate increased from $1,013 in 2017 to $1,476 in 2023, a 46% increase. Ultimately, housing costs grew at a faster rate than incomes and prices for other goods and services. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are smaller independent living spaces on the same lot as a single-family home, are a potential source of affordable housing. However, many Pennsylvania communities either forbid or make it difficult to build ADUs.
 
With an increasing need for affordable housing throughout our state, I am introducing legislation to grant individuals the ability, by right, to create ADUs in areas zoned for single-family housing while still allowing municipalities to make reasonable restrictions on ADUs. The housing affordability crisis will only continue to get worse unless we act now. I ask that you join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to remove barriers to the construction of affordable housing.