Waiving or Reducing ADU-related Fees for Low- and Moderate-Income Households
This strategy lowers the costs of building an ADU by reducing or eliminating fees charged by local agencies—such as fee waivers or reductions—or by providing financial assistance to qualified homeowners to cover some or all fees.
Incentivizing Affordable ADU Rentals
This strategy provides financial or other incentives to property owners to build ADUs that will be rented at below market rents and/or for certain populations. An ADU Supportive Jurisdiction can help ensure renters have increased affordable housing options near employment centers.
Providing Pre-Approved ADU Plans
This strategy lowers the cost of ADU development and speeds up the process by allowing homeowners to use ADU plans that have already been reviewed for building code compliance. There are multiple ways that pre-approved plans programs can be structured, such as a jurisdiction-owned plans approach and/or an architect/designer-owned plan approach.
Enabling a Pathway for the Separate Sale of an ADU
This process allows an ADU to be split into a separately saleable condominium with distinct ownership, while remaining on the same parcel as the primary residence, meaning there is no actual subdivision of the land itself.
Encouraging Factory-Built ADUs
This strategy encourages the construction of factory built ADUs by streamlining processes and reducing barriers for their approval and installation. Factory-built ADUs provide a flexible and cost-effective way to address housing shortages.
ADU Technical Assistance for Homeowners
This strategy supports homeowners throughout the entire ADU design and development process, while reducing staff time and bolstering process improvements.
Supporting Homeowners to Bring Pre-existing ADUs into Compliance
This strategy provides property owners with guidance and resources to bring pre-existing, unpermitted ADUs into compliance with local regulations (sometimes referred to as “ADU amnesty”). This can involve fee waivers, technical assistance, and financial support.
Regulating the Use of ADUs for Short-Term Rentals
This strategy helps encourage the use of ADUs as housing for local residents. By identifying goals for your community, defining a policy, and providing clear and consistent information on short-term rental (STR) allowances, an ADU Supportive Jurisdiction can help increase longer-term rental opportunities over short-term lodging.
Incentivizing Accessible ADUs
This strategy encourages the development of ADUs that are accessible and visitable to individuals with disabilities by enacting local laws and policies that incentivize their construction and conversion. An ADU Supportive Jurisdiction can expand inclusive housing options, ensuring that people with disabilities have equitable access to safe and affordable living spaces.