RESOURCES

Supporting you throughout your ADU project

Floating menu

Main Resources

ADU Guidebook

Our in-depth guide to building an ADU across Alameda County, from inspiration to move-in.

Exercises

Exercises to help identify your goals, talk to local staff, budget, design and rent your ADU.

local adu rules

A two-page overview of your local ADU rules, with details about size limits, parking, exemptions, and more.

Process At-
A-Glance

A two-page overview of the entire ADU process from start to finish, including important things to understand from the beginning.

FLOORPLANS

View a gallery of real-world ADUs built throughout California and learn what will fit your needs.

ADU EXPLAINER VIDEOS

Learn about the types, benefits and process to build an ADU.

calculator

Estimate the costs and potential income of your ADU project, all based on real local numbers.

GLOSSARY

A handy guide to some of the terms you’ll see when building an ADU.

Alameda County Public Works Agency

Access checklists and minimum plan submittal requirements.

wEBINAR

Learn about building an ADU in Alameda County.

CAN I BUILD TOOL

A tool to help you understand what type and size ADU you’re allowed to build on your property.

Additional Resources

American Institute of Architects

A directory of local designers. 

Cal HFA ADU Grant Program ADU financing

Cal HFA ADU Grant Program ADU financing for low-income and moderate-income homeowners. Check to see if funding is available.

CA Depts. of Real Estate and Corporations 

Tools for verifying mortgage broker licenses.

Alameda County Department of Environmental Health

For septic permits and information.

Casita Coalition

Case studies, guides and resources for small homes in California.

California Contractors’ State License Board

For information on finding a qualified contractor and verifying a contractor’s license.

A Guide to Residential Tenants’ and Landlords’ Rights and Responsibilities

This PDF guide is provided by the State of California as a primer for both landlord and tenants.

Alameda County Assessor’s Office

For finding APN, parcel and tax information.