Why more people want to build casitas in San Antonio
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Permits issued to build casitas have increased by nearly 38% in the two years since San Antonio approved changes to make it easier to develop them, an Axios data analysis shows.
Why it matters: Proponents of the tiny homes say casitas can offer more affordable housing in a city experiencing increasing rent and mortgage costs. But opponents have long been worried they could be used as short-term rentals like Airbnbs.
Catch up quick: Casitas are tiny homes behind larger houses that can be rented out or occupied by family (leading to their other names — in-law suites and granny flats). They're also called accessory dwelling units, or ADUs.
- Affordable housing advocates see ADUs as a tool in part because they can make efficient use of already-developed land. The idea is that renters can afford a smaller space and homeowners can benefit from the income.
Flashback: In November 2022, the City Council approved changes to San Antonio's development code aimed at making it easier to build casitas. The rules took effect Jan. 1, 2023.
- ADUs can now be larger — up to 1,600 square feet. There is no limit on the number of bedrooms.
By the numbers: The city issued 110 permits for ADUs in 2023 and 2024, an analysis of public permit data shows. That's compared to 80 ADU permits issued in 2021 and 2022, before the changes took effect.
State of play: Last year, the city compiled permit-ready ADU designs. People who use them and meet certain income requirements can have permit fees waived — part of the city's effort to encourage more ADU development.
Reality check: It's difficult to quantify how often these homes are used as affordable alternatives. But anecdotally, people seem to be turning to them for family housing.
Zoom in: Erin Callahan is co-owner of Elbow Room, a San Antonio-based company focused entirely on casitas. She launched the business in April 2020, seeing that people wanted more space at home during the pandemic.
- Callahan estimates about 60 to 70% of Elbow Room customers want a casita for multi-generational living, which is fairly common in San Antonio.
- Elbow Room often builds for people whose older parents are downsizing, or who want to build a separate home for their adult children on the same property.
A 20-by-16 model called The Lynda, which has a kitchenette and a bathroom, costs about $114,000.
- A "microhouse" version of The Lynda — with a bed, bath, kitchen and washer and dryer — runs around $136,000.
What they're saying: Callahan says casitas add value to the main property, keep older adults out of assisted living and build equity for the next generation.
- "It provides a lot of solutions," she tells Axios.