You've run this by your local zoning? Are setbacks ok? Many municipalities will not allow a second driveway or allow a driveway so close to an intersection.

who is the ADU for? If older person, why 2 stories?

In concept the location of the ADU is fine - I would even argue better than having the ADU penetrate the main house's private backyard space. But for the reasons said and many more a professional should be involved with this to make sure you can even do what you conceptualize.

Post the pictures in a much larger size.

IMO find out if you can do this in your area I do agree a 2 storey one seem excessive . The zoning is the first step .Other than that we need info as to what this is being planned for ?

If your background is not in design, then I highly recommend you work with a person of design talent (licensed architect) who can help guide you and help you create a liveable house

Neither house is very good in terms of how it will live, although the second one is better than the first one. The first one will have very little natural light penetrating into the interior.

It's all the same house, front elevation, side elevation, 1st & 2nd floors.

Who is the ADU for? A family member/relative? A non-family member?

It's all the same house, front elevation, side elevation, 1st & 2nd floors.

That will teach me to try and do 3 things at once. I quickly glanced at the second floor thinking it was the first floor. Then looked at the first floor.

Thanks for all comments!

1. ADU is mainly for rental. Certainly ADU can be also used for guests and family relatives.

2. Second driveway has been agreed by local public planning

3. An architect is helping me. We discussed ADU locations - front or rear. From designing point, the architect feels OK for either way. Owner needs to make a decision. More comments would help.

4. I agree that one story ADU would be even better. Due to lot size limitations, bedrooms have to be on 2nd floor while living/kitchen on 1st floor.

In current design concept ( all pictures for the same design), ADU wall and windows are exposed to front - a major topic looking for opinions and comments.

I personally is fine with that as I care more about backyard privacy and completely separate ADU entrance. However considering that I could sell the new house in the future, I definitely need to hear more opinions.

Thanks!

I don't see why there would be a problem with the ADU windows being visible from the front. It'll just look like part of the house from the street. For privacy? The ADU is connected, so it's going to see some part of the yard. Front yard is visible from the street, too; it's already public, so I wouldn't worry about the ADU seeing it. If it is that big of a concern, move the fence and give the ADU more yard to keep your yard walled off from the ADU windows ... or don't rent your ADU to creepers.

Side note: is there room for a powder room under the ADU stairs? If so, I think you could make both upstairs bathrooms ensuites and eliminate the hall up there with some minor rearrangement.

If it were me, I’d try to insert a courtyard between the ADU and the main house to minimize noise from renters. At the very least, I would have the walls as sound resistant as possible.

Really appreciate for all the comments so far!Those do help!

Powder room downstairs is a good idea. I have tried. The first floor space is very limited. Therefore bathroom has to be on the second floor.

Courtyard is a great idea. The lot size is a limitation. With ‘U’ shape courtyard, there are still wall connections between main and attached ADU. Walls between main and ADU would be 6” . I hope to add additional sound proof insulation. Any suggestions? Meanwhile ADU units connect to main hallway or closets.

For reviewing convenience, I combined floor view pictures and elevation view pictures. Thanks for more comments!

Would you give the ADU yard access?

Prefer no backyard or front yard access. ADU would have its own small side yard around ADU garage and entrance.

It might be favourable to give more than is in your image. This will be someone’s home. We have a suite in our home and while it’s the house we own we also want our tenants to feel like it is home. I absolutely regret not configuring a more comprehensive outdoor space for them.

Good suggestion! Usually my neighborhood ADU doesn’t have yards. My side yard can be allocated more to ADU. Thanks!

You could just move the fence to here:

More side notes:

What's the little room with two doors between the main house kitchen and stairwell? I can't figure out its purpose, since it's basically a hallway. If it's the pantry, you would probably do better having it be part of the kitchen; as is, you could barely incorporate shallow shelves on one side anyways.

Would it be possible to steal a smidgen of space from the entrance corridor and or office to get enough space in the ADU for the powder room? It would probably decenter the windows on the office wall, but if it gives space for a lower level in the bathroom, that'd be a lot of overall added value.

Thanks for your suggestions!

Move front yard fence to above - more front yard for ADU. On the other side the overall front might look like two separated town homes … I need to think more. To trade off, the fence can be moved to aligned with ADU west wall. What do you think?

The little room is a pantry. It is possible to extend it as part of kitchen.

ADU has reached its size limit. I could try to squeeze a powder room but ADU living space has to be reduced.

I can't comment on the overall design but I think your concept is a good one.

I would not put a fence dividing your front yard. A fence on the right, giving the ADU 2 yard spaces (on either side of the driveway) seems adequate, without chopping up the front elevation and compromising the curb appeal of the front of your home.

Agree. Prefer not divide front yard . Thanks!

Try posting a video clip to show concept elevation. Look forward to comments. Thanks!

Video seems not working. Sorry

Is the ADU garage really big enough for a car and room to walk around it? Seems tight.

ADU 1 car garage is 11’x 21’ , enough space