Rental income
Earn $2,000–$4,000/mo in NYC’s rental market.
Now permitted in NYC.
NYC’s backyard ADU company.
Haven designs, permits, and builds detached backyard ADUs for New York City homeowners. From zoning analysis to certificate of occupancy, we handle every step.
Unlock your yard.
Rental income. A home for family. A private studio. One building, countless possibilities.
Family home
A private home for parents — steps away, not across town.
Backyard office
Cathedral ceilings, natural light, zero commute.
The full service, from backyard to keys.
Haven is your single point of contact throughout the entire ADU process. Design, permitting, and construction management, under one roof.
01
Design
We design your ADU to maximize your lot, your light, and your budget. Every project is tailored to its site, not pulled from a catalog.
02
Permitting & DOB filing
We handle the full NYC Department of Buildings application. Plans, forms, expediting, and approvals.
03
Construction management
From foundation to finishes, we manage the build with vetted local contractors and weekly progress updates.
04
Single point of contact
One team, one contract, one person to call. No juggling designers, expediters, and general contractors.
Case studyRead the Case Study →
Swoop ADU
South Orange, NJ
A custom attached ADU designed for a family in South Orange. From initial site assessment through permitting and construction, Haven managed the full process — delivering a 750 sq ft one-bedroom unit for under $325,000.
750
sq ft
1
bedroom
$325K
construction cost
Coming 2026
Coming soon: factory-built ADUs for NYC.
We’re launching a line of factory-built, designed-for-NYC ADUs. Studio and Studio+ models, engineered for local lots, zoning, and climate. Ready to permit and install in weeks.
Designed to live big.
Despite its compact footprint, every Haven ADU feels like a full-sized home.
Cathedral ceilings
Vaulted interiors with clerestory windows flood the space with light.
Full kitchen
Induction cooktop, integrated dishwasher, Reform cabinetry.
Spa-grade bathroom
Walk-in shower, wide vanity, in-unit laundry.
Built-in storage
Floor-to-ceiling birch shelving maximizes every square foot.
Testimonials
What our clients say.
“
Haven’s team is incredibly thoughtful, careful, thorough, and timely, and are excellent communicators. I’m so excited to continue working with them.
A. Membrino
Queens, NY
“
Haven is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of ADU design and construction but are also great listeners — they are truly interested in manifesting the vision of the client.
D. Leventhal
Ossining, NY
“
The Haven team was very professional in monthly goals and deadlines met. They took my ideas and tastes into account and were always responsive.
D. Sherwood
W. Hartford, CT
DOB compliant
Built for New York City’s new ADU rules.
NYC’s City of Yes made detached backyard ADUs legal citywide. The rules are complex — flood zones, lot coverage, setbacks, and historic districts all apply.
Haven navigates every constraint. We check eligibility, handle DOB filing, and ensure compliance with Local Laws 126 and 127.
Read Our NYC ADU Guide →
Frequently asked questions
ADUs in NYC, answered.
Everything you need to know about building a backyard ADU in New York City under the City of Yes zoning changes.
What is an ADU and are they legal in New York City?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a self-contained home with its own kitchen, bathroom, and entrance, built on the same lot as an existing house. Following the passage of the City of Yes for Housing Opportunity in December 2024, detached backyard ADUs became legal on one- and two-family properties across New York City when the zoning text took effect in June 2025. The NYC Department of Buildings began accepting ADU permit applications on September 30, 2025.
Which NYC homeowners can build a backyard ADU?
Owners of one- and two-family homes in most residential districts across the five boroughs can apply. Eligibility depends on your zoning district, lot size, lot coverage, rear yard dimensions, and whether your property sits in a flood zone or historic district. Detached backyard ADUs are not permitted in historic districts, R1-2A, R2A, and R3A zoning districts outside the Greater Transit Zone, or properties within the DEP’s interim flood risk area.
How big can a backyard ADU be in NYC?
Detached backyard ADUs in NYC are capped at 800 square feet of floor area. A detached ADU also cannot cover more than 33% of the required rear yard area. Maximum height for portions within the rear yard is limited to one story, not to exceed 15 feet.
Do I need a permit to build an ADU in my backyard?
Yes. Every detached backyard ADU requires a full building permit filed with the NYC Department of Buildings through the DOB NOW: Build portal. The filing includes a zoning analysis, site plan, architectural drawings, and structural and MEP documents. Haven handles the entire permitting process, including DOB filing and approvals.
Can I rent out my backyard ADU in New York City?
Yes. Once your ADU receives its certificate of occupancy, you can legally rent it out as a long-term residential unit with a minimum lease of 30 days. Many NYC homeowners build ADUs specifically for rental income.
How long does it take to build an ADU in NYC?
From signed contract to move-in, most backyard ADU projects take roughly 12 to 18 months: 4–6 months for design and permitting, 2–4 months for DOB approvals, and 3–6 months for construction. Pre-approved DOB plans may shorten the approval phase.
What is City of Yes and how does it affect ADUs?
City of Yes for Housing Opportunity is the most significant overhaul of NYC’s residential zoning rules in a generation, adopted by the City Council on December 5, 2024. Among its provisions, it legalized detached backyard ADUs on one- and two-family lots in most residential zoning districts.
Can I build an ADU if my property is in a flood zone?
Properties inside the NYC Department of Environmental Protection’s interim flood risk area are not eligible. Lots outside the DEP flood area but within a FEMA-designated flood zone may face additional flood-resistant construction standards under Appendix G of the Building Code. Haven reviews your property against current flood maps during eligibility check.