Boise (670 KBOI News) – The City of Boise is taking steps to try to encourage homeowners to add “accessory dwelling units” — more commonly known as mother-in-law apartments — to their homes.

The City Council this week changed the code to allow apartments up to 700 square feet — up from 600 — to be attached to homes. Code was also changed to allow two bedrooms instead of one, and allow for on-street parking.

Councilwoman Holli Woodings says it’ll help create more affordable housing, but that’s not all.

“It also encourages density to be built into existing neighborhoods,” said Woodings.  “If we can get two dwellings onto one parcel, rather than just one, then that creates more opportunity for that neighborhood.”

Click here for more information on ADUs.