New construction of a multi-residential development in Ithaca, New York. Completed plans call for the construction of a one-unit multi-residential development.

The City of Ithaca is requesting proposals from qualified professionals to create designs for a pre-approved accessory dwelling unit (ADU) plan. The City of Ithaca seeks to reduce barriers to ADU development, shorten permitting timelines, lower design costs, and increase access to high quality, energy efficient, and accessible small scale housing options consistent with the City's adopted ADU legislation. As part of this effort, the City of Ithaca Planning and Development Department is seeking proposals for a set of construction ready set of plans for a City of Ithaca "Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design". Through a competitive process, the City will select a qualified design professional(s) to produce complete ADU construction documents compliant with building code, zoning, and site plan review (with site specific review still required at time of permit). In exchange for a one-time license fee, the selected design(s) will serve as the "City of Ithaca Public ADU Design," for which the City will receive a perpetual, royalty-free license to distribute the design at no cost. Responses should highlight any customization options including, but not limited to, materials, architectural finishes, and siting needs. The successful Respondent(s) (the "Consultant") will be responsible for preparing one or more complete, code-compliant Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) prototype designs suitable for advance review and inclusion in the City of Ithaca Pre-Approved ADU Design Library. The Consultant will work with the City to ensure that the selected design(s) comply with the City's ADU ordinance and all applicable state and local codes. The Consultant will receive a one-time lump-sum payment as proposed in the cost proposal submitted in accordance with the RFP Submission Requirements. In exchange, the City will receive a perpetual, royalty-free license to reproduce and distribute the design(s) at no cost. The City may consider alternative or refined approaches to the tasks described below on a case-by-case basis. In such instances, the Respondent should describe how the task will be completed by the Consultant, the City, and/or other project partners. The final scope of work will be negotiated prior to execution of a contract and may be refined as necessary to best achieve the project goals. All questions and communications should be in writing and sent via e-mail. Questions and requests for clarifications related to definition or interpretation of this RFP shall be submitted via email to zoning@cityofithaca.org no later than 5:00 PM on April 17, 2026