Plus One ADU Program Enrollment FAQ’s

CDLI will oversee all aspects of the construction process from contractor bidding & selection, compliance with MWBE/SDVOB utilization standards, general construction oversight & coordination between property owners and contractors, preparation of payment requests & other essential activities to ensure efficient construction.

Homeowners can choose their own design team or can work with an architect through CDLI. If homeowners pay for design costs directly, they can work with a designer of their choosing and they will have more grant funds available for construction costs. If CDLI procures a design team, the costs incurred will be drawn from that $115,000 in grant funds. In either case, Homeowners will work closely with the chosen firm to discuss designs. If a homeowner chooses to work with an architect through CDLI and then decides to cancel the project after design costs have been incurred they may be responsible for those costs.

The Plus One ADU Program is a forgivable grant program. As long as you continue to meet program requirements, you will not have to pay the money back. Homeowners and ADU renters must maintain year-round residency and keep property in good condition and repair for 10 years or until sale of property. A deed covenant will be required to be filed with the County Clerk.

Plus One ADU grant funds can only be issued on a reimbursement basis. Advance payments to contractors are not permitted. Contractors may submit receipts for reimbursable items such as materials purchased, surveys etc. Plus One ADU grant funds will be paid to contractors in progress payments at 50% completion and 100% completion. 10% of funds will be held until a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued. Contractors may submit invoices for reimbursement of materials, permit fees and survey prior to 50% completion. If Plus One ADU grant funds are disbursed for these items, that amount will be deducted from the payment at 50% completion. For construction projects which exceed the Plus One ADU grant amount, a payment schedule will be included in the contract to delineate the split between homeowner payments and Plus One ADU grant payments.

Yes, if they meet our requirements (licensing, insurance, etc.) and there is no conflict of interest. You will need to provide itemized work scope and cost estimate from your selected contractor as well as one additional written quote to confirm the cost is competitive.

That depends on what you would like to build! For example, converting an existing garage will be less expensive than building a new free-standing dwelling unit. Our project team can provide suggestions to bring down project costs. However, homeowners usually need to contribute funds above the Plus One ADU grant amount.

Either (1) Reduce project scope to be within budget, or (2) Submit proof that you have or can borrow the necessary additional funds to complete the project.

The Plus One ADU Program may provide up to $125,000 (which includes CDLI program support, such as design, permitting, construction oversight, closeout and ongoing compliance) in forgivable grant funds. The total amount available for construction costs is up to $115,000. Applicants who do not use grant funds for pre-development costs (design, procuring an architect without CDLI putting out an RFP or getting the design, etc.) will have more funding available for construction up to a maximum of $115,000.