What Is The ADU Grant Program In Los Angeles

Mar 07, 2024
6 min
  • #Outdoor Living
Table of contents:
  • Smooth Plaster Finish
  • Shimmering Pebble Finish

The ADU Grant Program in Los Angeles, established by the California Housing Finance Agency, provides financial support for low and middle-income residents to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on their properties. It offers a grant of up to $40,000 that can be applied towards pre-development costs.

Understanding ADUs in Los Angeles

Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs are self-contained living spaces located on the same property as a single-family home. In Los Angeles, these units have grown in popularity since their legalization in 2016. They offer an affordable housing solution and can be used for family members or rented out for additional income.

Since 2016, there’s been a significant rise in permit applications for ADU construction in Los Angeles. Many homeowners see it as an opportunity to make good use of their backyard space, whether it’s through home remodeling projects or by adding a pool and spa. However, finance has been a barrier for some residents. This led to the birth of the ADU Grant Program by the California Housing Finance Agency.

The ADU Grant Program aims primarily to assist low- and middle-income Californians who wish to build an ADU but lack sufficient funds. It is not just about building new structures; it also includes backyard landscaping projects that enhance the value of your property while providing added utility and enjoyment.

A small, modern ADU in the backyard of a single-family home in Los Angeles with a pool and spa.

The Birth of the ADU Grant Program

The ADU grant program in Los Angeles is a response to the growing need for affordable housing options. Established by the California Housing Finance Agency, this program aims to provide financial support for low and middle-income Californians interested in building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on their properties.

ADUs, also known as “granny flats” or “in-law units,” are small living spaces that can be added onto existing residential properties. These units became legalized in 2016, leading to a surge of permit applications from homeowners wanting to make use of their backyards or remodel their homes with these additional units.

Building an ADU is subject to certain requirements. For instance, an ADU generally cannot exceed 16 feet in height and if it’s under 750 square feet, its building permits can’t be blocked. They cannot be built as standalone projects on vacant lots or part of commercial buildings but can be constructed following the construction of a home.

The grant program has been instrumental in assisting those facing financial constraints but desiring more space at home through adding an ADU. This way, the California Housing Finance Agency ensures that this potentially life-changing process remains accessible to all residents who require it.

A Californian house with an ADU being built in the backyard, with a sign indicating it's funded by the ADU grant program

Benefits & Eligibility Criteria

The ADU Grant Program in Los Angeles is a hidden gem for homeowners planning to remodel their home or backyard. This program, managed by CCEDA, offers a significant benefit in the form of a grant of up to $40,000 that can be applied towards pre-development costs. These costs may encompass site preparation, energy reports, and other necessary procedures for remodeling or constructing an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit).

However, it’s important to note that the eligibility criteria for this program focuses on income limitations specific to Los Angeles residents. The intention behind this is to lend support primarily to those identified as low- and middle-income earners as per local standards.

If you’re contemplating backyard landscaping, pool and spa construction in LA, or any form of home remodeling which includes an ADU construction in Los Angeles then it would certainly be worth your while investigating if you meet these income criteria. Remember that qualifying for this grant could save you thousands on your project costs! Also noteworthy is the fact that once the grant is received it does not need repayment although there may be tax liabilities on the utilized funds in the subsequent year.

All applications are processed based on completion and submission order with all necessary documents attached. While reservations were fully allocated as of December 18th 2023 new applications are still being accepted and reviewed by CalHFA.

It might also interest potential applicants that if financing through second mortgages from pre-approved lenders associated with CCEDA becomes necessary non-recurring closing costs like lender origination fees can be covered by these grant funds.

An administrative fee ranging between $5000-$7000 will apply but this comes directly out of the granted amount itself. If any portion remains unused after project completion it gets returned back into CalHFA’s ADU Grant Fund.

An ADU construction site in a backyard of a Los Angeles home, with paperwork scattered on a table showing grant documents, energy reports and architectural plans. A small sign stands next to the construction site indicating 'Funded by ADU Grant Program'.

Additional Resources Provided

The ADU Grant Program in Los Angeles is a comprehensive initiative that provides not only financial assistance but also a wealth of resources to guide applicants through the construction process. These resources are designed to make tasks such as home remodeling, backyard landscaping, and pool and spa construction simpler for homeowners.

Regularly organized workshops form an integral part of these resources. They detail every step involved in constructing an ADU, from planning to execution. Furthermore, they provide insights into local building regulations and help homeowners understand how they can maximize their space while adhering to these rules.

The program also offers guides on financing processes. These guides demystify the financial aspect of constructing an ADU by explaining how one can apply for loans or grants, what kind of documents would be required, among other things.

In addition to this, videos that discuss how ADUs can help alleviate California’s housing crisis are available online. These videos provide real-life examples and stories from those who have already built an ADU in their backyard – offering inspiration as well as practical advice for new builders.

To sum it up, the Los Angeles ADU Grant Program is more than just a funding initiative – it’s a comprehensive toolkit designed to empower homeowners interested in contributing towards solving California’s housing shortage problem through ADU Construction.

A toolkit with different resources such as guides, documents, videos and workshop schedules related to ADU construction, remodeling and financing in Los Angeles.

Making Your Dream Project Come True

At EHD Builders, we strive to make your dream project a reality. Whether you’re looking into backyard remodeling or embarking on an ADU construction in Los Angeles, our team of professionals is ready to guide you every step of the way. We ensure that all work aligns with your vision and meets all legal requirements.

Our services include but are not limited to:

In addition, we offer free resources such as workshops and guides on financing processes to assist you further. Our goal is not only to provide high-quality home remodeling or ADU construction in Los Angeles but also ensure that the process is smooth and enjoyable for you.

Don’t let financial constraints hinder your dream project. With the ADU grant program, eligible Los Angeles residents can receive up to $40,000 for pre-development costs.

So why wait? Get started today! Contact us for a free estimate on your home remodel or new ADU project in LA.