Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small home located on the same lot as a larger, main house. It typically includes essential amenities such as a bathroom, kitchen, living space and providing a self-contained living area.

ADUs can be created in two ways:

  • Attached – ADUs can be connected to the main house, like an add-on or garage apartment.
  • Detached – ADUs can stand as a separate building from the main house.

ADUs are sometimes called by other names:

  • alley home
  • carriage house
  • casita
  • cuartito
  • garage apartment
  • guest house
  • in-law suite

We have a need in our city for affordable housing, and ADUs can help.

ADUs can benefit both the homeowner and the renter. Someone needing a place to live can rent the ADU at an affordable price. By renting out their ADU, the homeowner can then earn extra income and build equity on their property.

The ADU Program is part of our City's Strategic Housing Implementation Plan (SHIP). SHIP aims to build and preserve more than 28,000 affordable homes throughout the next 10 years. Our goal is to increase the number of ADUs to provide more affordable housing options in neighborhoods.

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