Albert Lopez
Planning Director
Planning

Accessory Dwelling Units


Project Description

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as in-law units and casitas, are fully independent living quarters, created on properties which allow residential land use and are developed, or proposed for development, with a primary residence. ADUs are clearly accessory to a primary single-family or multi-family residence and are subordinate to it in size, location, and appearance. They may be created through new construction or through converting existing permitted interior space, or a carport, into an ADU. ADUs add to the local rental housing stock, can make home rental and ownership more affordable, allow opportunities for aging in place and may reduce greenhouse gas emissions when constructed in areas near public transit and services.

ADU Technical Assistance Program

The County of Alameda has a new ADU Technical Assistance program (HelloADU) that can help homeowners through every step of the ADU process. To learn more about the program and how to apply, please visit www.HelloADU.org. You can also email HelloADU@hellohousing.org with any questions that you may have.

Links & Resources

Contact for general ADU information:

Permit Center / Zoning Counter

399 Elmhurst Street, Suite 141

Hayward, CA 94544

Phone 510.670.5400

Contact for ADU regulations update status information:

Rodrigo Orduña

Alameda County Planning Department

224 West Winton Avenue, Suite 111

Hayward, CA 94544

Phone: (510) 670-5400

Send an email

Past code update meetings/materials may be found in the Archive page (link)