New laws and free homeowner resources have made it easier than ever to build a second unit, also known as a granny flat, in-law suite, and accessory dwelling unit (ADU). These units create the flexibility to provide a home for friends, family, a local teacher or others struggling to live in your community.  ADUs can also act as a long-term flexible insurance policy by supporting homeowners to age in place, earn extra income and increase property values. Other households have welcomed back young adults moving home or family members displaced by job or wage loss.

In early 2020, California passed a suite of new laws maximizing the options of what homeowners can do to create more housing options on existing residentially-owned land. These laws, along with a new ADU Technical Assistance Program offered by the County, are creating new ways by which homeowners throughout the unincorporated areas of the County are creating housing and easing the pressures faced by so many during these uncertain times and the ongoing challenges of finding affordable places to call home.

Through Bright in Your Backyard, Hello Housing’s new partnership with Alameda County, Castro Valley homeowners now have the support they need to join many communities in solving the affordability challenges of the County, one ADU unit at a time. Hello Housing will provide up to 100 hours of free feasibility and project management support to participating homeowners who want to add an ADU or a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) to their property. Making the decision to move forward can feel intimidating. Knowing what you can build, what it might cost or finding reputable builders are all real questions that homeowners are seeking help with.

Hello Housing is a nonprofit housing organization has been working with homeowners across the Bay Area with their ADU projects. We see homeowners as mission-critical, untapped partners in making it possible for people of all incomes and backgrounds to call the Bay Area home.

One homeowner had this to say about our program. “Having a someone who could help us every step of the way made the difference for our family in moving our project forward.  We have always wanted to take advantage of the space we had in our backyard, but we did not know where to start or who to trust.”

Learn more about the Bright in Your Backyard ADU program in Alameda County, and sign up for updates.

Learn about the history of ADU legislation and efforts by State Senator Bob Wieckowski to reduce barriers in building ADUs.