As the demand for affordable housing continues to grow in West Michigan, more homeowners are exploring Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as a flexible and practical way to add living space, increase property value, and create long-term housing flexibility.

Sable Homes President John Bitely spoke with FOX 17 about how ADUs are a “step in the right direction” to addressing housing needs and allowing people to have a say in how they grow up or grow old.

“As a grandparent, I want to be near my grandkids,” Bitely said in his interview with FOX 17. “I want to be able to go see them on the weekend, I want to be able to go watch their little soccer game.”

An ADU is a smaller, secondary living space built on the same property as a primary home, such as in-law suites, backyard homes, guest houses, or carriage houses. They typically include a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living area, and private entrance, creating a fully functional independent living space.

Bitely says he’d like to build more ADUs in West Michigan, but is restricted by local zoning laws. He called on townships and cities in the region to modernize their zoning laws.

“A lot of times zoning gets harder than it has to be. We end up zoning ourselves out of doing anything,” said Bitely.

In Plainfield Township, officials are in the process of reforming zoning restrictions to allow ADUs. A draft ordinance from a Plainfield Township Planning Commission work session in July calls for ADUs to be allowed in four out of five residential districts in the township. Currently, ADUs are only allowed in mixed-use districts, according to the township’s zoning ordinance.

“This really lends to a lot of flexibility for families, and it really lends to affordability,” Plainfield Township Manager Cameron VanWyngarden told FOX 17, adding that ADUs are fit for grandparents who want to live near their children and grandchildren and also young professionals who want to live near mom and dad while having a place to call their own.

“Children who have grown up in this community can't afford to live here,” he said. “We're working to address that, to make sure that people who call Plainfield Township home can afford to live in Plainfield Township.”

When asked about Plainfield Township's push to loosen their zoning ordinance, Bitely responded: “It's awesome. Those who lead, lead. Those who follow get left behind.”

If you’re considering building an Accessory Dwelling Unit in Michigan, Sable Homes is here to help you explore your options, understand zoning requirements, and create a space that fits your lifestyle and long-term goals. Sable Homes is proud to be a trusted ADU builder in West Michigan.

Sable Homes currently offers thoughtfully designed ADU floor plans, featuring both our one-bedroom Hidden Elm plan, and two-bedroom Hidden Birch layout that combine comfort, efficiency, and modern design. These Accessory Dwelling Units in West Michigan are designed to provide flexible living space while complementing your property and supporting long-term functionality. Explore our available ADU floor plans in West Michigan and contact us to start yours today.

Watch John Bitely’s full interview with FOX 17, here.