Woodsong Associated worked with City of Bethlehem and Lehigh University on a groundbreaking initiative to expand affordable housing through the legalization and promotion of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), known locally as Alley Houses. Building on the momentum of the Opening Doors housing plan and the Alley House Pilot Project, this effort sought to make it easier for homeowners to add small, self-contained homes to their properties, unlocking new housing choices for residents across the city.

The project’s core goals included revising Bethlehem’s zoning ordinance to support a range of ADU types, reducing permitting barriers, and crafting by-right development pathways. It also explores affordability and financing strategies to ensure Alley Houses are accessible to residents of all income levels, and to advance broader goals of housing stability and climate resilience.

A robust community engagement process, grounded in our participatory equity framework, included listening focus groups, a community workshop, and an online survey.

Ultimately, this project succeeded at transforming Bethlehem’s approach to small-scale housing by updating regulations, streamlining processes, and equipping residents with the tools they need to build Alley Houses.