Plus One ADU Program: Community Renewal Done Cheap

People all over the world now face the housing shortage, and the US has not avoided this situation too. Dwellers now find it really hard and inconvenient to find an affordable rental property, while interested homeowners do not want to rent out their property for a lower price tag. This generates a very intricate situation when affordable housing becomes almost impossible to obtain while permanent housing seems more like a dream. Moreover, property owners want to maximize their profits and opt for building more accessible units on the lot, such as accessory dwelling units.

The term accessory dwelling unit (ADU) means a structure located on the same lot as the main building and, while being smaller than the latter, provides dwellers with the functionality of a normal house. However, the construction process and legal paperwork may be difficult to tackle, that’s why some homeowners prefer looking for options that require less effort than building one from scratch. That’s where permit-ready ADU programs come into play.

These types of ADU programs require less time from the start to completion of the project and less paperwork, granting homeowners an opportunity to create an accessory dwelling unit in less time and with less effort. But let’s take a closer look at this option and figure out all about it.

Accessory Dwelling Units Variety

Before you approach an accessory dwelling unit, it is obligatory to know everything about them. Even though the huge number of variations may make you abashed, there are only a couple of them that are popular among homeowners.

Junior ADU

The best option to provide rental income and boost your total monthly income, junior units represent a structure that is much smaller than your main house but still can provide housing opportunities for individuals or small families. Even though it is small, the construction time may take a full year, which can be shorter if you opt for permit-ready programs and a streamlined approach to the whole process.

Attached ADU

Rental units can also be located right next to your main house, and some homeowners see no issue with them. What is more, after the construction, the house and the unit will share a wall, so the dwellers will have easier access to both parts of the unified structure. We find this option an amazing opportunity to gather all your family members and extended family under one roof and provide much-needed care for the elderly or living quarters for your children by setting up their own families. With a PRADU, such construction takes less than a year to complete — a perfect solution for the problem.

Detached ADU

For those homeowners who want to possess their own living spaces on the same lot as the main house, a detached unit is a must. This unit has to stand on the same lot as the main residence, but not really close. Building and setback requirements are quite strict for this structure, so you will not be able to construct it in direct proximity. However, this unit has a number of substantial benefits, including a separate entrance that will enable family members to enter the house independently or a set of amenities. 

Moreover, your older residents remain independent while being in the vicinity of you, which is great if they require constant care and support.

What Are Permit Ready ADU Programs

As we have already said, ADU construction takes time to finish, but circumstances may vary, and some homeowners simply don’t have it. That’s where permit-ready programs may help significantly. Normally, they offer an easier and more direct approach to ADU construction, which results in less time needed to finish the unit. This is achievable by the pre-approved designs used in the construction, which leads to reduced costs. Designers working for a general contractor will not need to spend their time on building units, and local authorities will be able to approach the permitting process much faster or even skip it as such a unit has already undergone approval in the past.

Plus One ADU program guidelines include the requirements for municipal boundaries, household eligibility, maximum allowable rents, and income-eligible applicants. Even though participation in this program may seem difficult, if you pass, it grants you an opportunity to get an accessory dwelling unit on your lot much faster and for less money.

Benefits of Permit-Ready Programs

As we have already said, such an ADU program provides substantial benefits to homeowners who fit all these criteria. But let’s discuss the benefits in particular so you can have a clear picture in your head.

The benefits of these programs include the following elements:

• Faster permitting

Instead of going through a long and tiring permitting process, the applicant’s primary residence will be reviewed much faster as the in-law suites in question already exist. The plan of an existing ADU is a better option to consider as they will not face zoning code violations, delays because of scoring process applicants, or require minimum criteria to fit on the property.

• Reduced costs

Without the work of designers and local authorities, your personal savings will be less affected by the cost of the process. Moreover, other elements of property management like the work of architects that should look for quality housing standards, geographic locations of the unit, material costs, and distance from the applicant’s property will not be included in the price too, leading to decreased construction and design fees overall.

• Simplified construction process

Even after the permitting process, the Plus One ADU program doesn’t cease to deliver better opportunities for homeowners. Being built on the same property, any unit, but a detached one, will face completion much faster than other rental units you may need on the lot. The Permit Ready program will reduce possible confusion and delays that are possible in regular construction, effectively saving time and energy for contractors.

Permit-Ready Programs: Considerations and Limitations

Along with potential benefits, there are certain limitations of the program that everyone should consider:

1. Custom-designed ADUs provide flexible solutions in terms of design, but here the variety is much narrower, leading to only several options available for interested homeowners to build on the applicant’s property.
2. Even though the programs are permit-ready, they still should fit only subjective scoring criteria and rules proposed by the local authorities. Moreover, it is necessary to work with zoning accessory dwelling units correctly so the local department can find projects that are eligible.
3. Some accessory apartments may even need provided grant funding, so homeowners should pay attention to which ADU program they choose.

If these drawbacks seem unacceptable to you, you should not apply for the Plus One ADU program and instead choose a normal custom ADU plan. Architects will create it so it fits your lot best and includes your needs and desires in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

Can I use my ADU to help lower-income bracket citizens find living quarters?

The existing ADU is the applicant’s property, so a homeowner can use it in any way they want, be it long or short-term rentals. Your ADU can become your supplemental income, providing needed student housing. Consequently, such options can boost your total household income. Don’t forget about real property tax exemption if you want to start such a business.

Which ADU should I choose for the Plus One ADU program?

To approach grant funding cost-effectively, we would recommend building a detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU). First, it will stand in the vicinity of the primary residence, and property owners will not even see the dwellers of these accessory apartments. Second, such residential properties are much more convenient for the dwellers as they do not have to interact with the owners and have all the necessary amenities. Third, you would be able to name maximum rental amounts because of the provided comfort.

For whom is building the ADU the most beneficial?

Actually, building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is great for everyone involved. Homeowners can get real estate tax exemptions and save money on construction. The neighborhood will face community renewal because of the new people coming to live here and the new buildings. Your primary residence will get a nice addition, improving its total look. Local authorities will not have to go through a long process of permitting your properties. Contractors will get an opportunity to use an already existing ADU project, which will also save time and energy. Overall, it is a win-win situation for everybody.