This project involves a design for a home addition, new carport, and a detached ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit). Phasing was an important consideration in this project. The addition to the existing house is suggested as the first phase. Because the existing house only contains one bedroom, a second bedroom would add immediate value. Additionally, adding area to the small home allows a larger detached ADU, since Columbia’s zoning ordinance currently caps an ADU size at 800 sf or 75% of the primary structure (whichever is smaller). The ADU is designed to have a fully south-facing roof to maximize solar electric production (see area in dashed blue line on plan). By tying the primary residence and ADU together on one electric meter (there is precedent for this in Columbia), the electric generation of the solar array could offset both residences, helping the investment to pay off faster. As a last phase, a new carport could be constructed. Monarch advised constructing this element last to maintain access to the rear of the property to build the ADU more easily.
