+1 RI ADU Design Competition
The +1 RI ADU Design Competition is creating practical, affordable, and ready-to-use accessory dwelling unit (ADU) designs to help make ADU development more accessible and efficient for homeowners in our state.
The Executive Office of Housing invites architects, designers, builders, contractors, and students to participate and develop ADU design concepts that support Rhode Island's Housing 2030 goals by creating adaptable, accessible, and affordable housing solutions that can be replicated in communities across the state.
Click here to sign up for program updates and announcements.
About the Competition
The +1 RI ADU Design Competition is guided by five key goals: creating a menu of ready-to-use design plans; developing designs that are adaptable and accessible; ensuring cost-effective solutions; streamlining the permitting and approval process; and strengthening communities across Rhode Island.
Click here for a closer look into the five goals.
Eligible participants for the +1 RI ADU Design Competition include architects, designers, builders, contractors, and students.
Eligible participants can participate as individuals or teams of up to five members.
Professional participants must be licensed or registered in the State of Rhode Island or actively work under the supervision of a licensed or registered architect or licensed or registered contractor who can ensure compliance with all applicable state and local building, life safety, and accessibility codes.
Student submissions are welcome but must include a licensed or registered professional team member or mentor who will review and endorse the final submission, ensuring compliance with all applicable state and local building, life safety, and accessibility codes.
A jury comprised of architects, builders, and advocates will evaluate designs and deliberate based on the scoring criteria. Awards will be given to the top overall 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
1st place - TBA
2nd place - TBA
3rd place - TBA
Additional awards will be given to two design submissions that demonstrate exceptional consideration for the special conditions of accessibility and innovation in ADU design.
Best Accessible ADU - TBA
Most Innovative ADU - TBA
August 10, 2026: Application portal officially opens at 8:30 AM.
September 9, 2026: Optional Q&A Session. Check back for webinar information.
October 23, 2026: Submission Deadline. Application portal to close at 11:59 PM.
November 30, 2026: Notification of decisions to applicants.
December: Awards ceremony.
For more information on application guidelines and requirements, please download the +1 RI ADU Design Competition Project Manual, which will be made available in the coming weeks.
Get to Know ADUs!
Explore the drop-down menus below to learn the answers to five frequently asked questions about ADUs.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent home located on the same property as an existing single-family or multifamily residence.
ADUs include everything needed for daily living—sleeping, cooking, eating, and sanitation—with a separate entrance for privacy and independence.
ADUs can take many forms, including:
- A detached backyard cottage
- A converted garage or accessory structure
- An addition to an existing home
- A finished basement or other space within the primary residence
A dwelling unit is a space designed for independent living that includes:
- Living and sleeping areas
- A kitchen or cooking facilities
- A bathroom
- A separate entrance and exit
Under Rhode Island law, municipalities may set maximum ADU sizes, but they must allow:
- Studios or one-bedroom ADUs: up to 900 square feet, or 60% of the primary home's floor area—whichever is less
- Two-bedroom ADUs: up to 1,200 square feet, or 60% of the primary home's floor area—whichever is less
ADUs by right may be permitted when they are:
- Located within an existing home or accessory structure without expanding the footprint*
- Built on residential lots of at least 20,000 square feet*
- Created as a reasonable accommodation for family members with disabilities on owner-occupied properties*
*Local ordinances may differ from state law.
ADUs are not limited to family members, older adults, people with disabilities, or households with low-incomes.
However, ADUs cannot be used as short-term rentals.
Rhode Island law establishes statewide standards for ADUs. Municipal zoning and building regulations may apply, but local requirements cannot conflict with state law.
See the link below for the Rhode Island law on ADUs:
webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE45/45-24/45-24-37.HTM