Roadmap to Your Accessory Dwelling Unit Project

Thinking about adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to your property? Whether you call it a backyard cottage or an in‑law suite, it’s a major investment—and knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming.  

In this two‑session intensive, you’ll learn the essentials: local rules that shape your project, updated zoning changes to Burlington’s Neighborhood Code, how long the process really takes, and what to expect in design and construction costs. With hands-on worksheets and expert support, you’ll turn uncertainty into a clear, actionable plan.  

Get guidance on scope, schedule, and budget in this two‑session ADU workshop running from November 11 -12th, from 5-7 PM at the Burlington City Arts Community Room on Pine Street. In addition, you’re welcome to join us for a webinar to understand ADU Basics on October 22 from 10-11:30.  

Office hours will also be available for 1:1 guidance: 

1. Scope: Get familiar with local regulations, site feasibility, and project scale. 
2. Schedule: Understand the design-build process and a realistic project timeline. 
3. Budget: Decode construction costs and explore smart financing options. 

This workshop is free and open to the public; you must commit to attending both classes.  Space is limited, please RSVP today.  

~Dinner and dessert will be provided~ 

Course Instructors:

Lina Menard is an ADU Specialist and seasoned educator dedicated to helping people unlock the potential of small-scale housing. As an instructor for the ADU Basics course, she brings unparalleled insight gained from interviewing hundreds of homeowners, builders, and designers to produce the ADU Case Studies Project—a comprehensive collection of more than 60 detailed profiles. 

Beyond her research and ADU Design courses, Lina offers the rare perspective of an ADU owner herself, living the lifestyle she teaches. Her blend of technical expertise and firsthand experience provides students with a practical, empathetic roadmap for navigating their own accessory dwelling unit journeys. 

Sarah Morgan is a Principal Planner with the City of Burlington’s Office of City Planning.  Sarah is an integral part of the department's planning team. She contributes to a wide range of planning projects, conducts spatial analyses, and supports the department's use of GIS-based applications, and develops communications and engagement tools for department projects.