New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Monday that the city has additional funds and will streamline the process for homeowners to create accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
ADUs are defined as any secondary independent unit on the same property as a primary home, including backyard cottages and basement apartments with separate entrances. The mayor said there is now an additional $4 million in grant funding to support the city ADU pilot program, according to a press release.
The Plus One ADU pilot program provides up to $395,000 in funding to qualified homeowners through the Housing Preservation and Development and grant funding from New York State Homes and Community Renewal to build or convert an ADU on their property. The program provides homeowners with financial and technical support, including predevelopment and construction resources.
“For our seniors fighting to stay in the neighborhoods they call home or young people struggling to find a living space, accessory dwelling units can be a lifeline to stable, affordable housing,” said Adams.
First launched in 2023, in its first two months, the pilot heard from more than 2,800 homeowners with nearly 80% of applicants reporting they were interested in improving their family’s finances or housing a family member with an ADU.
Adams also announced plans to create a “one-stop shop” of resources to help New Yorkers add an ADU to their properties, including step-by-step guides to help homeowners navigate the ADU process. This resource will include a library of pre-approved designs, which will streamline permit approvals for safe accessory homes and lower costs for homeowners.
