Markets That Allow Multiple ADUs for Vacation Rental “Micro-Community”

[Sonja Kristiansen]

Hi there, I'm an STR investor with 4 properties in the Bay Area / wine country and I'm looking to build my next project from the ground up — acquiring acreage somewhere beautiful, and building a mini-hotel or micro-community with 6-10 ADU-style units (similar to what TomuHaus offers). 

Zoning in the Bay Area does not allow for this (1 primary + 1 accessory max, if that) — so I’m wondering if you know any markets across the country that do? West coast is ideal, but I’m willing to do out of state. The most important requirement is “beautiful setting”. 

Here’s an example of a similar concept in Waco, TX - Live Oak Lake. 

Do you know of any potential markets that would allow for this zoning? 

[Jay Thomas]

While zoning rules in the Bay Area can be pretty strict, there are plenty of other stunning spots across the country where you might find more leeway for your project. Check out the Texas Hill Country with places like Austin, Fredericksburg, Wimberley, and Gruene. They offer beautiful landscapes and a chill zoning vibe that's great for ADU development. If mountains are more your thing, consider Asheville, Boone, and Blowing Rock in the North Carolina Mountains. Besides the amazing views, these places often allow multiple small dwellings on one lot. Out west, places like Bozeman, Big Sky, and Whitefish in Montana provide access to breathtaking mountains and lakes, and their zoning laws can be friendly to creative housing ideas. On the Oregon Coast, spots like Cannon Beach, Lincoln City, and Manzanita mix sandy beaches and cliffs, with zoning rules often allowing detached guest houses and ADUs. Lastly, there's Vermont, including Stowe, Woodstock, and Manchester, where you get stunning fall foliage, charming towns, and zoning that might suit your concept. So, there's a bunch of places to explore beyond the Bay Area!