ABOUT
About the Alameda County ADU Resource Center
The mission of the Alameda County ADU Resource Center is to provide resources that make it easier for homeowners to build ADUs (accessory dwelling units).
This guide was created to help residents of Alameda County through the entire process of building an ADU—also known as granny flats, backyard cottages, in-law units, or basement/garage apartments.
These pages include a step-by-step approach to your ADU project (from getting started ADU 101 all the way to move-in) and provide links to helpful resources and tools along the way. This guide was written to help everyone in Alameda County, including the cities of Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Dublin, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Pleasanton, San Leandro and Union City, as well as unincorporated areas of Alameda County like Ashland, Castlewood, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Fairview, Happy Valley, Hillcrest Knolls, San Lorenzo and Sunol as well as unincorporated areas of other cities like Hayward, Pleasanton and Livermore. Since every place is unique, there may be specific requirements for your project depending on where you plan to build. Please use the Web GIS Can I Build an ADU tool to find out what jurisdiction your property is in and what rules apply.
Throughout this website, when you see references to “local governments” or “where you live” or “local staff,” this refers to the city you live in or the County if you live in unincorporated county areas. If you live outside city lines, you will coordinate with county staff and follow county rules.
Project Sponsors
Developed in partnership between Alameda County Housing and Community Development and Hello Housing to support homeowners who are thinking about building ADUs.
Alameda County Housing and Community Development Department
The Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) plays a lead role in the development of housing and programs to serve the county’s low and moderate income households, homeless, and disabled populations.
HCD is focused on implementing programs that are tools for making a significant impact in addressing a worsening affordability housing crisis and protecting the most vulnerable residents while also implementing innovative programs to address the root cause of the housing crisis, such as access to lending, barriers to homeownership, and rapid changes in the housing market.
Learn more about all of our resources by visiting https://www.acgov.org/cda/hcd/ or reach out by email at hcdhomeownership@acgov.org.
Alameda County’s ADU Technical Assistance Program - HelloADU
HelloADU, a program of nonprofit Hello Housing, assists homeowners by providing feasibility assessments and project management support to participating homeowners who want to add an ADU or JADU to their property.
“We see homeowners as mission-critical, untapped partners in making it possible for people of all incomes and backgrounds to call Alameda County home. From financing options to expert guidance and support, we have everything you need to make your vision a reality.
Learn more by visiting www.helloadu.org or reach out by email at helloadu@hellohousing.org.