One way of easing the shortage of affordable housing is to design new and rehabilitated single family residences so that accessory apartments are easily and cost-effectively created or removed. This mode of design will facilitate the adaptation of the house to changing household needs and in so doing will broaden access to homeownership. It will also obviate need for premature redevelopment of inner city areas and dampen the demand for new housing in developing areas. Community and housing planners can use the flexible house as a tool for community development, for providing affordable housing, and for encouraging community acceptance of housing alternatives. Moreover, this housing form can be developed and used in accordance with zoning regulations and standards. Communities can regulate flexible housing through requirements governing owner occupancy, the size of the accessory apartment and/or the entire structure, off-street parking, and the appropriate location for this housing alternative.